The objective of the Research and Technology Pact is coordinating and enhancing the activities of various parties in ensuring that young people want to learn and later also work in the field of research, technology and engineering. The activities of the Pact are being implemented in cooperation between the state, local governments and industry, education and third sector.
To start with, a comprehensive overview will be formed of the activities of all parties in generating interest and improving skills in science, technology and engineering and increasing the attractiveness of studying these specialties and working in these fields.
An action plan is being developed in three main directions within the framework of the Research and Technology Pact:
– popularising the field in society, primarily among young people;
– increasing the quality of the education in the field at all levels of education;
– valuing work in the field.
The Pact was initiated by the Ministry of Education and Research and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications. In addition to these two ministries, the first signatories to the Pact included the Estonian Research Council, the Estonian Association of Engineers, the Collegium Eruditionis knowledge centre of Viimsi Upper Secondary School and Kadrina Upper Secondary School, which have noticeably contributed to promotion of the field.
The pact and its action plan are open to anyone who desires to join it and contribute ideas, activities and resources. The initiators invite the public and third sector to take part, including representative organisations of entrepreneurship, specialty and professional associations, local governments, companies, academic and educational institutions and volunteers. As each ministry is responsible for organising the research and development activities in its field pursuant to the Research and Development Organisation Act, all ministries are invited to join the Pact.
The implementation of the Pact is coordinated by the Estonian Research Council.
Contact
Eva Pruusapuu
Department of Science Communication
Estonian Research Council
e-mail: eva.pruusapuu@etag.ee