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The Estonian Research Council (ETAG) supports strategic research and development within the framework of RITA+, in accordance with decree No. 1.1 2/23/317 of the Minister of Education and Research dated 21 November 2023.

As a result of this sub-activity, evidence-based policy-making will be enhanced, social and economic challenges will be addressed, and research directions which are important for the Estonia will be advanced in research and development institutions.

Partners

The partners are government authorities and the Foresight Centre (Arenguseire Keskus), who participate in defining research problems and drafting terms of reference, and commission applied research based on their interests.

Identifying Research Problems

Under activity 1, the state commissions strategically important applied research that supports national priorities. This work leads to innovative solutions addressing key societal and economic challenges within the smart specialization areas.

To identify relevant research problems, the Estonian Research Council organizes rounds of idea collection among its partners. At least three such calls for research ideas will be conducted during the support period.

• The first public call for ideas for planning strategically important research topics was open from 30.11.2023 to 31.01.2024.
• The second call for ideas was open from 12.09. to 21.10.2024.
• The third call for ideas took place from 21.11. to 22.12.2025.

RITA+ provides support for interdisciplinary applied research projects where the problem statement is developed and submitted jointly by one or more partners. To be eligible, proposed topics and problem statements must contribute to strengthening Estonia’s smart specialization priority areas:

• Digital solutions in every area of life;

• Health technologies and services;
• Valorisation of local resources;
• Smart and sustainable energy solutions.

In addition, the proposed problem statements must demonstrate consistency with relevant sectoral development plans and the strategic goals outlined in “Estonia 2035.”

Evaluation and prioritisation of the problem statements are carried out by a committee composed of (substitute) members of the Estonian Research Council’s Evaluation Committee together with representatives appointed by the RDI Coordination Council.

For the selected problem statements, the terms of reference for the applied research are drafted in cooperation with the partner who submitted the problem and the Estonian Research Council, involving subject matter experts where necessary.

Cost and Duration of Applied Research

The cost of a commissioned applied research project may range between €150,000 and €850,000 (including VAT), and the duration of the research may be up to 2 years. 21% of the research cost is covered by the partner(s) who submitted the research problem.

Evaluation of Research Proposals and Implementation

Applied research may be carried out by:

1. A research and development institution, an evaluated institution of applied higher education, or a university, in line with the definitions set out in the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation Act (TAIKS); or
2. A consortium of institutions, on the condition that the lead partner is an eligible research and development institution, evaluated applied higher education institution, or university.

The entity wishing to carry out the research must submit a research proposal that corresponds to the approved problem statement.
To evaluate the submissions, the Estonian Research Council convenes expert committees that include representative(s) of the partner who submitted the problem. The committee may invite external experts to support the assessment process.

Research proposals are evaluated based on two criteria, each accounting for 50% of the final score:

1. The justification and expected impact of the applied research;
2. The scientific quality and feasibility of the proposed research.

For each research problem, the Estonian Research Council funds at least the highest ranked proposal. On the recommendation of the expert committee, more than one proposal may be approved. If no proposal meets the required quality threshold, the problem statement will not be funded.

To oversee implementation, a management committee is established for each research problem. The committee monitors progress, provides guidance as needed, approves any changes to activities or budgets, and evaluates the interim and final reports.

The Estonian Research Council concludes a service contract with the consortium awarded funding, applying the R&D service exemption under § 11 (1) 19) of the Public Procurement Act.