OREANDA-NEWS. April 18, 2008. At the joint meeting of the Estonian Research and Development Council and the Finnish Science and Technology Policy Council, Prime Minister Ansip and Finnish Prime Minister Vanhanen noted that research and development activities play a crucial role in preserving and increasing the competitiveness of Estonia and Finland, reported the Official website www.valitsus.ee.

The Prime Ministers were sure that the success of the entire Baltic Sea region in the globalising economy will, in the future, depend on the development of science-intensive products and services, which is why cooperation is of great importance for both countries.

"We are convinced that stronger cooperation between the Estonian and Finnish universities, research institutions, funding institutions and companies will bring significant additional value to both countries. We can increase it even further by greater cooperation between research and development councils and by shaping a better coordinated policy in both countries,” Andrus Ansip stated.

The main focus of today’s meeting was turned to discussing the cooperation possibilities and joint initiatives of Estonia and Finland at developing science and technology. Since the first joint meeting of the Research and Development Councils held in 2004, cooperation between Estonian and Finnish universities and research institutions has considerably increased. Currently, we have more than 150 common science and study projects in progress, many of which are funded by the European Union.

“In order to improve cooperation, we must work at shaping policies together. The decisions made based on common grounds will help increase our competitiveness in the world,” said Andrus Ansip.

Members of the Councils pointed out several initiatives with potential, such as joint development and planning of the infrastructure of research and development activity, cooperation in the field of scientific data processing, and exchange of experience between the organisations funding research and development.

The strategic view of Estonia and Finland on future cooperation will be presented to the Prime Ministers by Finnish Ambassador Jaakko Blomberg and Vice President of the Nordic Investment Bank Gunnar Okk already in May. Both Councils will discuss the report and possible actions in 2008. On the basis of the discussions held at the Councils, specific proposals for joint activities will be made, if necessary.

Watch the recording of the joint press conference of the Prime Ministers on the Internet (extraordinary briefings) at the address http://www.valitsus.ee/brf/?id=1222