Agenda Profile: Tõnis Lukas
Overview of the state of Research and Development and government policy in this field.
2024-01-23
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The politician stands firmly for broad-based funding of Research and Development (R&D), criticizing the current 40:40:20 distribution as a proportional reduction in funding for the core instruments of science. He opposes creating an immigration pump for low-skilled jobs, while simultaneously supporting the targeted recruitment of foreign researchers to Estonia. The political focus is strongly aimed at future-oriented political solutions that support national development.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the specifics of research and development funding, utilizing technical terms such as the 40:40:20 distribution, ETAG, institutional funding, and service contracts. They address the function of science authoritatively, emphasizing its broader cultural and societal role, rather than viewing it solely as an economic engine. Furthermore, they are well-versed in international funding projects and their impact on Estonia.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and at times pressing, particularly regarding the necessity of improving science funding structures and expediting the processing of the draft law. The speaker relies on logical arguments and criticism of policy, employing a rhetorical question concerning the impact of the security situation on attracting foreign researchers. The overall tone is one of concern, yet constructive, calling for a broader perspective on the function of science.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the Riigikogu debate on the state of research and development, requesting additional minutes of speaking time, which indicates a desire to present a thorough and detailed position. The speeches presented are all dated the same day and focus on a single policy issue.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the government’s policy, specifically concerning the inefficiency of the 40:40:20 funding model and the proportional cut in financing for core scientific instruments. A separate point of criticism is that research projects initiated by ministries may not be subjected to the same quality control as those funded by ETAG. Furthermore, there is a demand for the government to adhere to prior agreements (such as funding service contracts using the 40% share from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM)).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of adhering to previous intergovernmental agreements (e.g., the increase in university funding and the financing of service contracts from the 40% allocated to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications [MKM]). They call for international cooperation, recommending the establishment of a regional science cluster within the European Union, involving Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national science policy and international cooperation within the framework of the European Union, including the struggle to retain European Commission funding projects. Regionally, emphasis is placed on the need to establish a science cluster with Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania, citing the security situation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
A strong national investment in research and development (R&D), amounting to 1% of GDP, is supported, as it is seen as the foundation for future development. The criticism relates to the allocation of funding, because the current model undermines core research funding, which is the basis for higher education and innovation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Socially, the focus is on immigration policy, specifically opposing the influx of low-skilled labor, as this is contrary to Estonia's interests. At the same time, there is support for attracting highly qualified foreign researchers, although concerns are being raised about how the current security situation might affect this objective.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the swift passage of the draft Act on the Organization of Research and Development and Innovation through the Riigikogu. This complex bill is expected to address key issues, such as research ethics and the division of labor among research institutions.
4 Speeches Analyzed