Starting this autumn, the collaboration network Adapter connecting universities and research institutions will be relaunched to bring together companies and researchers. It serves as a comprehensive cooperation gateway that helps companies find the right experts and a clear path from idea to implementation.
Adapter supports the “Smarter Estonia” principle, which aims to strengthen knowledge transfer capacity in universities and research institutions, in alignment with ASTRA+ Activity 1 institutional support.
Jaanus Vahesalu is the head of the collaboration network, and we asked him how the launch of Adapter is progressing.
Cooperation between research institutions and companies needs to be stronger, which is why getting the network up and running is mission-driven work. I have been in this role for almost a month, but I encountered the previous version of Adapter (2016–2023) through my former position at the Tallinn City Government, so the topic is familiar, though from a new angle.
I am also pleased that partners from 20 universities and research institutions have joined in and are supportive and engaged.
How will Adapter operate?
The goal is very practical: to enable meaningful meetings. Things start to happen and innovative ideas emerge when people come together. This is why the focus is on events — such as clubs, networking formats and various gatherings — that bring people into the same room. These activities are supported by a digital platform that provides a modern tool for companies to find the most suitable service and partner institution. AIRE Centre, with its events and network, serves as a strong example for us.
Who is Adapter for?
Adapter is designed for small, medium-sized and large companies that want to accelerate business development and find new, innovative solutions. We estimate that over the next five years, more than 1300 Estonian companies could take part in Adapter collaboration projects, which is approximately 1% of all registered companies.
Naturally, the network is also for researchers who want to bring their solutions into society and commercialise them — in other words, turn them into viable businesses. The United States is an inspiring example of how well this can be done, and Europe needs to catch up.
Who should turn to Adapter?
Companies that seek to develop new products, processes or services based on scientific knowledge, or those that need to validate and test their ideas and services. It is also relevant for research and development institutions looking for collaboration partners and applied research projects. In addition, the public and non-profit sectors that need evidence-based studies or support in policy development can benefit from it.
When will Adapter become fully operational?
It is already functioning gradually, and we have received our first inquiries. We began introducing the initiative in the second half of November, while the new version of the digital platform will go live in mid-December.
What is the Adapter digital platform?
The Adapter digital platform is a smart way to find partners and establish collaboration — a bridge between research and industry. Its goal is to help companies quickly identify the most suitable collaboration partner from among Estonia’s research institutions and their range of services. Adapter will also feature an AI agent that helps gather and streamline the necessary information.
