Feasibility study for an Estonian Materials Technology Programme

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Feasibility study for an Estonian Materials Technology Programme
Executive summary
Executive summary
Introduction
The purpose of this study is to perform a thorough mapping of competences and opinions in the field of Estonian
materials technology. The study was ordered by the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
and conducted by Spinverse Oy.
Previously, the public sector has lacked information to assess the level of competitiveness of the materials technology
related industries and the relevance of current research and development to market needs. This has
hindered the public sector from gaining a better understanding of the obstacles, challenges and opportunities
that both public and private sector face.
The main driver for studying the field of materials technology and national competences is the national
“Knowledge-based Estonia” strategy, which aims to improve the national research environment, building a
modern research and development infrastructure and supporting the environment of high-tech entrepreneurship
in Estonia. As a concrete goal of the strategy, Estonian government aims to raise the total expenditure on
research and development to 3% of GDP by 2014. It is obvious that the goal cannot only be met by means of
money and therefore extensive measures must be taken in order to reach the goal.
This study takes a broad approach for finding out and mapping the key competences and success factors in
Estonian materials science and technology. Relevant stakeholders to the study include universities and research
organisations, well established private companies in manufacturing industries, small start-up companies and
various public organisations supporting innovation activities in Estonia. The results of this study are based on
extensive desk research (statistics, market studies, technology roadmaps etc.), patent and publication study of
materials related research, interviews of key stakeholders in industry and academia as well as a questionnaire
targeted at all materials technology research groups in Estonia.
Materials technology is by nature an enabling and interdisciplinary field of technology. It provides significant
added value to different fields of industry enabling renewal and increased productivity of existing industrial
sectors as well as development of new business areas based on high added value products and services. Materials
technology is also strongly interlinked with the development of other strategic key technologies, information
and communications technology and biotechnology, also named in the Estonian innovation strategy.
The focus of traditional materials science has long been different structural materials, e.g. metals, coatings,
ceramics, plastics and composite structures. During the last few decades a vast number of new advanced
materials and applications with extensively tailored material properties have gained ground. Examples include
nanoparticles and nanostructured materials, supramolecular materials, bioactive and biocompatible materials,
optically active materials and magnetic materials. In the future, it will become possible to manufacture a wide
variety of intelligent materials that can, for instance, react to changes in the environment, be responsive and
communicative.
Metal
Machinery
Materials technology is an interdisciplinary cross-industry cutting enabling field
ICT
Electronics
Construction
Wood
Bio, medical,
Well-being
Emerging Technologies
Materials technology, Information and Communications technology, Biotechnology
New Applications and Commercialization
Effective utilization of emerging technologies, business development
Benefits to society and environment
Chemicals
Energy
Environment, Health and Safety
Safe and sustainable development, Responsible implementation of new technologies
Food