1. Next steps and concrete actions from the EU Accession Country Perspective ESTONIA Linnar Viik

2. R&D FUNDING
To increase sharply gross R&D expenditure by 2006 to 1,5% of GDP, making it comparable to EU average (1,8% of GDP in 1998)
To increase in longer run gross R&D expenditure to the level of neighbouring Scandinavian countries. (higher than EU average)

3. ESTONIAN R&D EXPENDITURE
% of GDP

4. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS IN R&D FUNDING UNTIL 2006
Increasing the state financing of R&D, especially of technological development and innovation. The purpose is to achieve financing ratio 60% science: 40% development.(the ratio now is 90:10)
Growth in the importance of private and foreign capital financing. The purpose is to achieve a situation where private sector expenditure on R&D exceeds public sector expenditure by 2010.
Assuring the effectiveness and transparency of use and socio-economic results from the state funds by improving their management.

5. DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL
Developing the vocational training system in co-operation with the state, enterprises and associations. The priorities are engineers and technical specialists.
Increasing state financing of post-graduate studies in key areas and supporting their teaching abroad.
Developing the scheme of including scientists with doctors degree (Estonians and foreigners) to Estonian research groups.
To support teaching managerial and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to students and scientists in universities.

6. Look@World – PRIVATE INITIATIVE
In 2001 major finance, telecom and IT companies in Estonia started foundation with aims to support the continuous growth of Internet penetration
Investment comparable with annual state IT budget
New dimension in private-public partnership
Strong human capital development component

7. STRENGTHENING UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY CO-OPERATION
Supporting the formation and development of high-tehc and knowledge intensive spin-off companies to stimulate technology transfer.
Establishing science and technology parks, innovation and incubation centres.
To create the network of centres of excellence in research and centres of competence in R&D.

8. NEW INFRASTRUCTURES
PKI infrastructure
Electronic ID Cards distribution started in January 2002 and penetration of 60% of population will be achieved by end of 2004
Technology and applications development for both private and public sector increased
Estonian Genome Project
Mapping nations genome, thus creating adequate sample for genome technology product development
Initial voluntary group sample period by end of 2002

9. INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION
Taking part in the development of the European Research Area and in the principles of the 6th Framework program.
Favouring the participation of Estonian enterprises and organisations in European programs and organisations (COST, EUREKA, INTAS, OECD Science and Technology Committee, UNESCO).
Creating the network of Estonian science and technology attachés in strategically important countries.