Session Profile: Margit Sutrop
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-23
Political Position
The most important topic is the funding and organization of research and development (R&D). Support is given for upholding the government’s 1% science agreement, but the plan by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MEAC) to establish a new applied research center that duplicates universities is being criticized. The political focus is on the effective use of resources, ensuring academic succession, and the swift adoption of the R&D and Innovation Act (TAIKS Act). The stance is policy- and results-based, emphasizing the need to maintain actual expenditures on science.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Strong expertise in the domain of science policy, higher education, and research statistics. Specific data and international comparisons are utilized (e.g., Estonia’s 4th place in research intensity, ESI citation indicators, comparison with Latvia and Finland). The need to invest in social sciences, particularly economics and educational sciences, and the potential of artificial intelligence are highlighted separately.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, respectful, and strongly analytical, relying on logical arguments and academic sources (Jüri Allik, Marek Tamm). The speaker balances recognition (maintaining the 1% agreement) with concerns and criticism (MKM duplication, academic succession). The tone is expert and convincing, emphasizing, with the aid of data, the top achievements of Estonian science alongside systemic problems.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address was delivered during the plenary session, directed straight to the Prime Minister. Reference is made to previous involvement in the Culture Committee during the discussion of the TAIKS Act, as well as participation in the science policy conference held at the Riigikogu in October 2023.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM) for its decision to establish an applied research center utilizing Metrosert. The critique is rooted in policy and procedure, highlighting that this move will create competition with universities for already limited human resources and funding.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The government agreements are acknowledged (the 1% science agreement, 15% growth in higher education) and a broad consensus is noted between scientists and Riigikogu members regarding the use of artificial intelligence. On ethical issues, a difference of opinion is expressed with the President of the Academy of Sciences, favoring the Estonian good research practice over the ALLEA code.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national science and higher education policy and Estonia's position in international scientific competition, highlighting comparisons with neighboring countries and other science-rich nations. There are no references to specific local regions or communities in Estonia.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong support is given to increasing public sector investments in science and higher education, viewing this as the engine of competitiveness. The need to invest in artificial intelligence is emphasized, and the actual share of public sector R&D funding in GDP is adjusted (1% instead of 0.7%). The growing contribution of the private sector (especially information and communication technology companies) to R&D is acknowledged.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus is on educational science and improving teacher satisfaction, referencing the strike situation and PISA studies. The problem of insufficient academic succession and the high average age of academic staff are also highlighted. Finally, the need for national regulation of research ethics is emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the adoption of the Research, Development, and Innovation Organization Act (TAIKS). This legislation is needed to streamline the network of research institutions, regulate the emergence of private sector institutions, and establish the framework for national ethics committees.
4 Speeches Analyzed