Minister Parts approved the programme for raising entrepreneurship and innovation awareness

Press release of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications 06.02.2008

Today, Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications Juhan Parts signed the programme for raising entrepreneurship and innovation awareness, according to which the year 2009 will be the year of innovation in Estonia.

Within the framework of the programme, Enterprise Estonia will invest, till the year 2013, a total of MEEK 124.4 from European Social Funds and public sector funds into shaping innovation and improving the management skills of Estonian entrepreneurs. To that end, Enterprise Estonia will soon announce a series of public procurements, including, for example, a business idea contest for students, and the organisation of an innovation conference. Several press sources related to innovation and entrepreneurship are planned to be continued.

With the programme, Enterprise Estonia is also funding the ordering of innovation themed studies, the conducting of trainings and seminars, preparation of information sources and television and radio shows, study trips, etc.

With the programme for raising entrepreneurship and innovation awareness, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications wishes to increase the international competitiveness of entrepreneurs and the entire state, facilitate the transition to a knowledge-based society, and shape value judgments that favour entrepreneurship and innovation.

The programme will be coordinated by Enterprise Estonia.