On 13–14 October, a joint meeting of the Tallinn University of Technology International Advisory Board, the University Board, and the Rector’s Office took place in Tallinn.
The International Advisory Board was established in 2021 to advise the University Board and the Rector on strategic matters related to university governance as well as academic, research, and development activities. The Board consists of six members:
- Tuula Teeri – President Emerita of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and President Emerita of Aalto University
- Wolfgang A. Herrmann – President Emeritus of the Technical University of Munich
- Killu Tõugu-Sanborn – CEO of Oxford Finance Life Sciences
- Robert-Jan Smits – President Emeritus of Eindhoven University of Technology and former Director-General for Research and Innovation Policy at the European Commission
- Professor Fredrik Sjöholm – Professor at the Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN)
- Jukka Ruusunen – Professor at LUT University, Finland, and former long-serving CEO of the Finnish electricity system operator Fingrid Oyj
The discussions focused on the preparation of the university’s new Strategic Plan 2026–2035. Key topics included expanding international cooperation, strengthening the link between research and entrepreneurship, and reinforcing the university’s identity and culture.
Board members emphasised the importance of focusing on areas where TalTech has the potential to reach the level of leading Northern and Western European universities of technology – for instance, in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and the green transition. They also stressed the need to develop long-term strategic cooperation models with industrial partners.
The meeting also addressed major challenges such as high dropout rates and the low proportion of students graduating within the nominal study period. Possible solutions discussed included more flexible study arrangements and stronger support systems. It was noted that the university’s success depends on close collaboration with society, businesses, and alumni, as well as on its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
In conclusion, the meeting reaffirmed the university’s ambition to become an internationally recognised university of technology, to contribute to Estonia’s competitiveness, and to provide an inspiring environment for students and researchers.
The preparation of the strategic plan continues in close cooperation with the University Board, Schools, and partners.