The Baltic office has conducted a feasibility study for the design and implementation of demand-side innovation policy instruments in Estonia. The aim of the study was to analyse whether and how the demand-side innovation policy instruments can be used in smart specialisation areas in Estonia (ICT horisontally in other areas, health and health technologies, better use of resources). The study team involved experts from Technopolis as well as Manchester Institute of Innovation Research.

The study concluded that demand-side innovation policy instruments can be effectively used in all smart specialisation areas. It was recommended to start with purchase of innovation through public procurements in (re)construction of public buildings as well as smart regulation in healthcare and construction sectors. Also, the study explicitly stressed the importance of addressing necessary horizontal preconditions – establishing horizontal government-level, longer term, ambitious visions and strategies that feature research and innovation; actively building partnerships with market actors and establishing systematic innovation risk management practices for the public sector.

A summary of the report is also available.

Jari Romanainen
Associate Consultant

Katre Eljas-Taal
Associate Consultant

Kincsö Izsak
Partner

Katrin Männik

Kristel Kosk

John Rigby

Paul Cunningham