How is a more knowledge-intensive and competitive economy created? What role does a doctoral degree play in companies, the public sector, and industry? A doctoral degree is not merely an academic milestone – it is a strategic resource for Estonian companies, the public sector, and society as a whole.
Seminar Programme
10:30–11:00 Registration and coffee
11:00–11:05 Opening remarks by the moderator
Krister Kalda, PhD, Head of Industry Cooperation, TalTech Industry Cooperation Centre
11:05–11:20 Seminar opening
Jarek Kurnitski, PhD, Vice-Rector for Research, Tallinn University of Technology
“A Doctoral Degree as a Prerequisite for Economic Growth”
11:20–11:35
Fjodor Sergejev, PhD, Dean of the School of Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology
“Doctoral Studies and Industrial Doctoral Programmes”
Sharing Best Practices. Career Stories
11:35–11:55
Nadezda Dementjeva, PhD, CEO, Stoneridge Electronics Estonia
11:55–12:15
Marko Paavel, PhD, Engineering Manager, Tech Group AS
12:15–12:35
Allan Hani, PhD, Board Member / Specialist, R8 Technologies
12:35–12:55
Collins Burton Mwakwata, PhD, Project Manager and Engineer, Ericsson
12:55–13:15
Erkki Seinre, PhD, Energy Efficiency Project Manager, State Real Estate Ltd (Riigi Kinnisvara AS)
Panel Discussion
13:15–14:05
Moderator: Kirke Maar, Head of Centre, AIRE
“How Can Estonia Become a More Knowledge-Intensive and Wealthier Society?”
Panel participants:
Sigrid Rajalo, PhD, Director of Innovation and Technology Department, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Ragle Raudsepp, PhD, Head of Development, Eesti Energia
Mario Kadastik, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Particle Physics, Tallinn University of Technology
Argo Rosin, PhD, Vice-Dean for Research, School of Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology
14:05–14:15 Seminar summary
14:15 Lunch and networking
Important Information
• The event will be held in Estonian, with simultaneous interpretation into English
• The number of participants is limited
• Participation is free of charge, but pre-registration is required
• Registration is open until 03.02.2026 (inclusive) or until all seats are filled
Each year, the Estonian state funds 350 doctoral study degrees. The question is no longer whether they are needed, but how and where their knowledge can be applied most effectively.
If you are interested in how knowledge is transformed into real economic value, this seminar is for you.
See you in the TalTech!
Participation in the seminar is FREE OF CHARGE, but please note that registered participants who do not attend without prior notice may be charged a participation fee of 50 euros. The number of seats is limited.
* Project “Cooperation between universities to promote doctoral studies” (2021–2027.4.04.24-0003) is co-funded by the European Union.
* The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the programme and schedule.
* Tallinn University of Technology will document the seminar; the organisers have the right to use photos and videos publicly.