Opportunities for Cooperation between Estonia and ... - Valitsus

APPENDIX 2
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The frame of reference for research and development activities within the
European Union is provided by the Lisbon strategy and the EU Competitiveness
and Innovation Framework Programme. Estonian and Finnish researchers and
entrepreneurs have been actively involved in the EU’s scientific and technology
research programmes.
As a result of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6, 2002–2006), Estonia
has received, or will receive, funding to the amount of EUR 33 million and
Finland EUR 365 million. Usually the projects funded by the EU are extensive
involving a large number of international partners. To date, nearly 400
Estonians and over 1,400 Finns have participated in projects launched under
the Sixth Framework Programme. Current activities are based on the Seventh
Framework Programme (FP7) initiated at the beginning of 2007.
Estonia and Finland need to intensify their cooperation in the European Research
Council and make efforts to develop the European Institute of Technology
(EIT) and the European Research Area (ERA). While Estonia and Finland have
supported each other on a reciprocal basis in the context of the EU’s research
policy, both countries must actively seek to engage in cooperation with other
like-minded countries in order to build up the EU’s research, development and
innovation policies.
Research activities undergo constant change. The requirements imposed by
the changes have been evaluated by the Estonian Science and Development
Council and the Finnish Science and Technology Policy Council in their joint
meetings. In both countries, researchers have engaged in topical public debate
and advised their respective governments. A long-term view, which gives due
consideration to global developments, is of great importance in the research
cooperation between the two countries. The action to develop research
activities needs to be based on a thorough assessment while making use of the
experiences gained internationally. Neither Estonia nor Finland has an analysis
centre for research development that would collect information and prepare
independent evaluations and analyses.
A number of processes are under way in Estonia and Finland to promote the
competitiveness of the national economies either directly or indirectly.
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