Feasibility study for an Estonian Materials Technology Programme

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Feasibility study for an Estonian Materials Technology Programme
4. Conclusions and recommendations
To succeed: The facilitator has to know the materials technology development field in Estonia, understand
industry needs and be up-to-date with world-wide developments and trends.
5. Programme with strong support actions to prepare for future funding “Materials R&D to business”
Programme has two phases.
First phase lasts 2-3 years where there is a strong emphasis on programme support actions
Facilitation concentrates on
Dissemination of current materials technology research to traditional industry
Enhancement of industry-university cooperation.
Help in applying for funding of joint applied research projects (both national and international
funds)
Activation of industry to do R&D
Activating materials technology industry-education projects
In dedicated areas (as chosen in this report), together with industry associations, technology-industry
roadmaps should be done and value-chains could be explored
An important part of facilitation should focus on international activities
After the first phase there will be a midterm evaluation to assess the continuation of the program.
In the second phase, the programme could include own funding focused on getting materials technology
to business.
However, the distribution of this funding should be made as simple as possible.
For best results, the programme should be started soon after this feasibility study has ended.
The key success factor is related to the programme coordinator/facilitator. This person has to
understand the technology
understand technology transfer
understand industry needs
Know the situation in Estonia
Be up-to-date with world-wide developments and trends
Work in cooperation with other iniatives (industry associations, clusters, other programs, international
programs etc.)
4.3.3 Key success factors and challenges
Estonia materials technology field needs more concrete collaboration between universities and industries
and this should be facilitated in all possible ways starting from joint education efforts to joint R&D projects.
The materials technology society of Estonia needs to be brought together.
Many of the professors today will be retire in five years. A challenge is to make sure there knowledge and
skills is passed on to their peers and to companies.
It should be understood that companies based on materials technology take a long time to develop.
However, they are more likely to build on existing knowledge, industry and build a value-chain around
them.
Facilitation is needed. But the role of the facilitator is very important. This makes it challenging.
Funding needs to support more applied research and university cooperation. There is a big risk that the
funding schemes will turn out to be too complicated and scattered.
The different programmes in Estonia should not compete against each other. Many players are involved
in several.
The biggest challenge is getting the traditional industry involved. All those we interviewed were interested
but hoped for more support and activity from the university side.