Information Technology Landscape in

ESTONIA

 

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                                    IT Geographics

Looking forward, looking at its developed neighbors, such as Finland, and looking to be accepted into the European Union, Estonia has been trying to adopt the best country development practices all along. One of these practices included creation of Technology Parks in order to accelerate scientific research that would move the economy forward. 

Estonia created the first Technology Park as early as 1992. Today, locations specially designated for use as official technology parks in Estonia are:

 

 Tartu Science Park. Was established in 1992. Research that is being undertaken by the resident companies concerns laser technologies, electronics, and software development. Tartu Science Park is a home to 33 companies that in turn employ about 200 employees. The major companies residing in the park are Estia, EvikonMCI, and Akrom-Ex.

 

Tallinn Technical University Innovation Centre Foundation. Hosts 8 companies. Major areas of research are software development, internet services, electronics, and mechanical engineering.

In addition, Estonian government is trying to follow the path of developed countries in creating business incubators to improve R&D development, develop businesses in underdeveloped regions, and support development of technology-based entrepreneurship within these regions. One of such projects, Special Preparatory Programme (SPP) project involved creating business incubators using the expertise of  Tartu Science Park in several location in south-east Estonia and Idu-Virumaa. Business Incubation Centers were created in Otepaa, Voru, and Idu-Virumaa. (SPP Pilot Project Site)

 

 

 

Last Updated 12/11/2001 by Alec Snetkov alec_snetkov@yahoo.com