The capability and quality of data exchange form the foundation. Data helps make better decisions, save resources, and improve communication and collaboration in both the private and public sectors. When developing and implementing innovative digital solutions, the most critical factors are data accessibility and the ability to use it effectively. Currently, adopting and correctly interpreting data is time-consuming and costly, and it may not function smoothly in business development.
Key research and development directions in the data field include:
- Synthetic data technologies
- Technologies for cross- and reuse of data and data mining
- New methods of data analysis and data system platforms
- Semantic web and related technologies
A secure environment protected against cyber risks is crucial in light of emerging technology trends. The number of Estonian companies developing their own cybersecurity products or services (both hardware and software) and achieving success in foreign markets remains small, while the Estonian cybersecurity and defense industry has significant export potential.
Key research and development directions in cybersecurity technologies include:
- Research in quantum computing, cryptography, and the development and implementation of a secure digital identity ecosystem
- Development and testing technologies for secure software and hardware
- Security technologies for artificial intelligence, machine learning solutions, and other emerging technologies
- Development of comprehensive cybersecurity solutions (network, user, cloud)
New technologies enable significantly greater automation of business processes, reducing manual work while increasing accuracy and efficiency. Digital and technological solutions developed through research and development contribute to higher added value, more efficient production processes, and the creation of new high-value jobs.
Key research and development directions for technologies supporting business process innovation include:
- Development of artificial intelligence and machine learning models (e.g., neural networks) and related technologies
- Spatial internet technologies, such as the Internet of Things and digital twins
- Autonomous technologies, including robotics, drones, and unmanned vehicle systems
- Blockchain technologies
- Chip systems and semiconductor technologies
- Innovative content creation methods, solutions, and technologies, as well as new communication methods, e.g., VR/AR, avatars, and game engines
High-quality and more accessible educational services and solutions support teachers and students in their learning, as well as employee competency management and workplace-based training. It is important to consider creating accreditation systems or methodologies for various educational digital solutions to ensure their quality and promote the export of these solutions. Estonia has strong potential to become a testing environment for evaluating the effectiveness of digital solutions with export potential.
Key research and development directions for technologies in education and lifelong learning include:
- Innovative environments and interactivity for teaching and research materials
- New collaborative solutions for offering formal education and continuing education
- Innovative digital solutions and methodologies for workplace-based learning in organizations
- Virtual and augmented reality environments and technologies supporting distance and interactive learning
- Language technologies and models
New digital technologies serve as tools that contribute to achieving the goals of the European Green Deal: making Europe climate-neutral by 2050, stimulating the economy through environmentally friendly technology, creating sustainable industry and transport, and reducing pollution. Therefore, it is important that, with the support of research and development, digital and technological solutions are created based on societal needs, improving living environments and reducing resource consumption.
Key research and development directions for energy, construction, and transport technologies include:
- Intelligent and resource-efficient transport systems and testing environments
- Autonomous technologies and unmanned vehicle systems
- Remote-controlled and monitoring-enabled systems, e.g., for urban infrastructure surveillance
- Technologies enabling construction digitalization, such as digital twins, simulation technologies and systems, robotics, and automation
- Technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and resource reuse
- Environmental measurement technologies and energy management technologies
The Estonian electronics sector is export-oriented, successful in supplying both products and various modular electronic devices to the global market. Digital technologies and solutions rely on electronics and hardware systems, which are essential for acquiring, digitizing, transmitting, analyzing, and using information. Therefore, supporting research and development in electronics and collaborative development is crucial for fostering technological innovation and expanding sector success stories.
Key research and development directions for electronic devices and systems include:
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices and systems, such as innovative sensors, as well as image processing and AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things)
- Machine vision and optical applications, along with edge computing technologies
- Low-power radio electronics and communication devices and methods, including novel radio frequency (RF) materials
- Marine transport electronics, navigation devices, and systems
- Innovative industrial automation electronics solutions, power electronics components, and devices
- Electronics for embedded systems and chip technologies
- Novel and efficient electronics cooling solutions
- Innovative measuring devices and systems
