Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart

Strong defense of funding for education and research and development (R&D), and the promotion of a knowledge-based economy. There is a receptive desire to shift the priorities of budget experts: teachers’ salaries must be raised and funding for higher education and science increased (specifically, 120% of the average teacher’s salary; 1.5% of GDP allocated to higher education funding; and 3% of total funding dedicated to R&D, with the private sector contributing at least 2% of that total). [The subject] criticizes the government’s intention to reallocate funds at the expense of other underfunded sectors; emphasizing that this does not solve the underlying problem and demanding less political infighting and a broad-based consensus. Framing: The core values of the growth strategy for sector management and economic growth are education and science, which must be independent of politics and based on consensus.

The text demonstrates a strong command of sectoral knowledge regarding education and science funding, referencing PISA results, the historical trajectory of providing free higher education in the Estonian language, and the critical importance of balancing funding and investments. It presents specific targets: teacher salaries at 120% of the Estonian average, higher education funding at a minimum of 1.5% of GDP, and total research and development (R&D) funding at 3% (private sector minimum 2%, state minimum 1%). International comparisons (Finland, Sweden, Germany, Singapore) are introduced as examples of success, emphasizing the need to continue striving toward achieving their benchmark.

An oratorical and formal parliamentary style, combining emotional appeal with rational argumentation. It employs striking phrases and visual aids (e.g., posters, "No teacher, no engineer, no economy") and often addresses a unified vision and shared responsibility. Using a more serious tone, it underscores the gravity of the problem (seniority/experience and competitiveness), but strives toward solutions through fact-based explanation and a comprehensive approach.

The text refers to the ongoing debate in the Riigikogu, budget negotiations, and the recent teachers' strike. It also mentions previous demonstrations and the government's desired redistribution of funding. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of reaching a broad-based agreement and fostering cooperation between various research institutions and the private sector.

Critical of the government and administration, especially concerning budget and financing policy: criticizing the intention to reduce allocations (emphasizing that funding must be increased, not cut), and specifically expressing disappointment regarding the government's plans to reallocate money between different sectors. This is high-intensity criticism: demanding concrete, measurable objectives and a bipartisan agreement, rather than mere political gap-filling.

The speech emphasizes cooperation and bipartisanship, calling for a cross-party agreement on matters of education, science, and innovation, as well as collaboration with the private sector and research institutions. It recognizes the need for improved cooperation to advance previous initiatives (such as draft legislation) and, more broadly, cooperation aimed at engaging various interest groups.

State-level/Regulatory Focus: Concentrating at the Estonian national level, comparing international models and best practices, and aiming to improve the situation in Estonia (PISA, funding, higher education). Specific regional centers or regional programs are not highlighted.

Economic growth is centered on knowledge-based infrastructure: it emphasizes investments in education and science as the primary drivers of economic growth, highlights the importance of private sector contribution (with a target of 2% of GDP), and advocates for tax exemptions for corporate research and development investments. It favors public-private cooperation and does not support the reallocation of funds from one sector to another if doing so reduces overall research and educational activity.

Education as the social gold standard: emphasizes the equality and accessibility of education and knowledge (mentioning the previous free availability of Estonian-language higher education). It highlights the importance of teachers' salaries and the creation of a knowledge-based society as the foundation for social development. <Not enough data>

Real statutory needs highlighted when discussing the end of the 2010s include: tax exemptions for corporate research and development investments and the legal regulation of mechanisms supporting corporate innovation. It emphasizes the need for a state contribution of 1% and a private sector contribution of 2% of GDP, resulting in an overall 3% funding for research and development. It seeks cross-party consensus and the reintroduction of the draft legislation with an acceptable framework.