Session Profile: Margit Sutrop
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-09
Political Position
The political stance centers on supporting Research and Development (R&D), commending the state's 1% GDP contribution during challenging times. The speaker strongly advocates for increased cooperation between businesses and universities, putting forward policy measures to guide this. The position is clearly policy- and performance-based, stressing the efficiency of investments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the financing of research and development (R&D) and related support measures. Specific terms are used, such as "1% of GDP," the "2% club," and covering social tax contributions, with reference also made to the field of defense research. A comparison is drawn with Finnish support conditions, which shows knowledge of international practice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and respectful, addressing the Speaker of the Riigikogu and the rapporteur. The speech is logical and focuses on a specific political issue, employing the metaphor of "big ships" (universities) to describe their difficult maneuverability. The tone is constructive and inquisitive, seeking ways to "nudge" businesses towards greater cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Incidence data is scarce, but during this period, the speaker posed a detailed question regarding research and development (R&D) policy at the plenary session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speech does not criticize any specific opposing party or political grouping. The focus is on improving existing support mechanisms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes collaboration between businesses and universities, proposing methods to deepen this relationship through the conditions of grants. The collaborative approach is constructive and references international models (Finland) in order to find the best solutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national research and development policy (GDP-based funding) and international comparisons (Finland). Specific regional interests are lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for national strategic investment (1% of GDP) in research and development, even during challenging economic periods. While supporting private sector contributions (the "2% club"), there is a desire to steer companies toward closer collaboration with universities to ensure the maximum return on these investments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on discussing changes to the terms and conditions of research and development grants. The priority is to establish mechanisms that would mandate companies to involve university researchers—for instance, in the field of defense research. The speaker is acting as the initiator, putting forward specific policy changes.
2 Speeches Analyzed