Session Profile: Mario Kadastik
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-11
Political Position
The political position focuses on the stability of science policy and funding, expressing concern that the pendulum has swung too far toward applied sciences at the expense of fundamental research. The speaker strongly criticizes the reform of the research agency and the grant allocation system, which has caused massive fragmentation, endangering the core competencies built up over decades.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of science policy and science funding, clearly distinguishing the role of basic and applied sciences (the pyramid example). Specific terminology is used (e.g., core competencies, grant allocation), and examples of Estonian science-based success stories are provided (Icosagen, Elcogen).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, addressing the Prime Minister directly in the form of a question. The tone is concerned and cautionary, using logical arguments and metaphors (the pendulum, the pyramid) to explain the structure of science and emphasize the consequences of the policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to a single appearance at the plenary session, during which a critical question regarding science funding was posed to the prime minister.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets the government's actions concerning science policy and funding reforms, specifically focusing on the repercussions of the science agency reform. The opposition is rooted in policy and procedure, stressing that the fragmented allocation of funds has resulted in a significant detriment to fundamental sciences.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is inquisitive and demands concrete plans and solutions from the government (the Prime Minister) for maintaining the foundational basis of fundamental sciences. This indicates a readiness for dialogue, but from a position of critical oversight.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, addressing the preservation of the fundamental base and core competencies (physics, biology, chemistry) of Estonian science. Estonian science-based companies are mentioned, which indicates a national economic interest.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the importance of stable funding for basic science as the foundation for long-term economic growth and innovation. Consistent public investment is necessary to ensure the future emergence and competitiveness of high value-added companies (e.g., Icosagen, Elcogen).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the oversight and criticism of science policy and funding systems, especially regarding the reform of the research agency and the distribution of grants. The speaker demands concrete future plans from the government to prevent the erosion of the fundamental basis of basic sciences.
1 Speeches Analyzed