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