Agenda Profile: Tiit Maran
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development Activities and Innovation (554 SE) - Second Reading
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the draft Research and Development Act, calling it "a genuinely good piece of legislation." His primary political emphasis is on defending academic freedom, specifically opposing clauses that would allow political or bureaucratic influence over funding decisions. This stance is value-based, stressing the critical importance of diverse perspectives and robust debate within scientific research. He issues a warning against future political forces who might potentially abuse the law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the specifics of research organization, academic freedom, and legislative drafting, referencing specific provisions of the draft legislation (Section 21, subsection 9). He/She discusses the definition of national sciences, proposing extensions into the field of biota and landscape studies (floristics, faunistics). He/She uses terms such as "hypothesis testing format" and "official departmental text."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, formal, and reflective, particularly when discussing the definition of national studies. The tone is moderately cautionary, emphasizing the importance of principles (academic freedom, ethics) and the potential danger of the abuse of power. The speaker relies on logical and ethical arguments, rather than emotional persuasion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their previous involvement in the bill drafting process, saying they were "a little bit involved in that process." They address both the audience in the hall and those watching on television. Other activity patterns, such as the frequency of their appearances or meetings, are not made clear.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct opponents are not named, but criticism is levied against potential future political forces who might misuse provisions allowing them to influence funding. Also criticized is the abuse of academic freedom occurring within universities (for example, speaking on behalf of the university) and the suppression of dissenting views. The critique targets both political risk and ethical conduct.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledged the positive outcomes of the bill's process and indirectly referenced the cooperation that led to the removal of the initial problematic clauses. He/She demonstrated openness for future discussions, suggesting that the definition of national sciences be amended "sometime in the future."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is intensely national, centered on shaping and preserving the identity and self-determination of Estonians. It is stressed that Estonian culture was able to develop specifically "here in Maarjamaa" (the Land of Mary), and consequently, studies of the local biota and landscape must also be counted among the national sciences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views concern the organization of science funding and targeted support. The speaker advocates ensuring funding for fields (e.g., biodiversity studies) which are nationally important, but which might not receive sufficient funding through the conventional form of hypothesis testing.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is academic freedom and freedom of speech on university campuses. The speaker stresses the necessity of ensuring diverse perspectives and robust debate, but simultaneously calls for universities to monitor public activities for adherence to ethical principles, to prevent the abuse of that freedom.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on the second reading of the Draft Act on the Organization of Research and Development and Innovation (Bill 554 SE). The speaker supports the Act but emphasizes the need to monitor the guarantee of academic freedom and to consider expanding the definition of national sciences in the future (Section 21, subsection 9).
2 Speeches Analyzed