Research and Development Council RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN ESTONIA 1996 - 1999 STRUCTURE AND TRENDS Tallinn 2001 Secretariat of the Research and Development Council State Chancellery The Stenbock House,3 Rahukohtu St. 15161 Tallinn, ESTONIA http://www.tan.ee Fax: (372) 693 5704 Phone: (372) 693 5702
[email protected] Compilers: Dr. Rein Kaarli Dr. Tiit Laasberg Translator: Juta Reiska Language editor: Eda Tammelo ISBN 9985-50-327-9 I have persistently kept asking what Estonia’s Nokia could be. This has even become part of local folklore. Yet the conclusion drawn by many Estonians, including several prominent gures, that the Presi- dent is looking for one single product like Pippi Longstocking once looked for Spunk - is somewhat unexpected. As a matter of fact, the President of Estonia is not supposed to seek Estonia’s Nokia. I am seeking it for you. For those who are too lazy to do it themselves. However, it is every Estonian proprietor’s task to look for their own so-called Nokias, and nd at least six of them annually. The key factor to innovation is man. I have used this example of Nokia to draw attention to the product that Estonia does not make in large quantities - this is world-class labour force. A study loan taken with the intention to get proper education and training would consti- tute a safe investment in any case, for the borrowers will, sooner or later, rise to such high and well-paid positions that returning the loan is as easy as anything. Having adopted Western-type business culture and well functioning marketing mechanisms, it is now primarily in the eld of intellectual property that Estonia, in order to survive in the third round, needs to be able to create surplus value.