The Role of Engineering in Societal Development

The conference was opened by TalTech’s Vice-Rector for Entrepreneurship, Erik Puura, who emphasized that engineering is a cornerstone of Estonia’s economic and societal development.

“Engineers must be able to talk about their work in a way that society understands them,” said Puura. He pointed out that fostering the next generation of engineers and developing challenge-based learning are key priorities. Universities must offer an environment where students can learn, create, and grow through practical experience.

International Perspective: Excellence Is Built on Trust and Cooperation

The international guests of the conference provided valuable insights into the experiences of leading European universities.

Professor Tuula Teeri, former rector of Aalto University, highlighted that the four pillars of an outstanding university are strong education, top-level research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. “To grow from a good university into an exceptional one, a university must have the freedom to make its own strategic and academic decisions,” said Teeri. “Excellence emerges where universities are trusted, where quality is valued, and where the ecosystem supports innovation.”

Stefan Drüssler, CEO of the entrepreneurship and innovation center UnternehmerTUM GmbH (affiliated with the Technical University of Munich), emphasized that Europe’s success depends on bold cooperation. “Don’t try to turn engineers into entrepreneurs - just help them make their dreams come true,” said Drüssler. “Universities should not see each other as competitors but as partners. When Europe has strong research universities, the whole continent benefits.” According to him, science moves into society faster when universities, companies, and governments work together rather than separately.

Joint Goals of TalTech and the Engineering Academy

Triin Ploompuu, Development Manager of the Engineering Academy, and Arvi Hamburg, energy expert and member of TalTech’s Board of Governors, presented the newly developed engineering learning pathway - a systematic overview of the journey of becoming an engineer, from early childhood to entering the job market.

The Dean of the School of Engineering, Professor Fjodor Sergejev, spoke about the role of the Engineering Academy in TalTech’s development, emphasizing that cooperation between schools, companies, and universities has created new opportunities for teachers, students, and employers alike.

During the day, participants shared best practices and presented activities carried out within the framework of the Engineering Academy:

• Hanno Tomberg, Head of Open University of TalTech, gave an overview of the increase in admissions and support for the next generation;
• Kaija Kumpas-Lenk, Head of TalTech’s Development and Quality Division and Quality Unit, presented a study on factors that support or hinder effective learning;
• Martin Thalfeldt, Programme Director at the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, discussed the development of curriculum coherence;
• Liis Koser, Head of HK Unicorn Squad, shared experiences of involving girls in the field of engineering.

Discussions continued in three panels that explored the phenomenon of Koidula Gymnasium, the role of project- and problem-based learning in TalTech’s engineering education, and the importance of learning communities in supporting and motivating students.

School of Engineering Recognized the Best

The day concluded with the School of Engineering’s award ceremony, where individuals, organizations, and projects were recognized in six categories for their contributions to the development of engineering and engineering education:

• Engineering Growth Hub 2025 (Inseneeria kasvulava 2025) – Saue State Gymnasium (Saue Riigigümnaasium), which has provided the largest number of first-year engineering students in recent years.
• Best Student Project 2025 (Parim tudengiprojekt 2025) – Formula Student Team Tallinn (Tudengivormel FS Team Tallinn), an outstanding student initiative that has brought significant value to both the School of Engineering and Estonian engineering in general.
• Engineering Academy Innovation Partner 2025 (Inseneriakadeemia innovatsioonipartner 2025) – Tallinn Construction School (Tallinna Ehituskool), the most active initiator of new cooperation projects with Tallinn University of Technology.
• Partnership Pearl 2025 (Partnerluse pärl 2025) – Tallinna Vesi, the City of Tallinn, and TalTech’s Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (TalTechi ehituse ja arhitektuuri instituut) – a successful collaboration that enhances the quality of engineering education and its alignment with labor market needs.
• Friend of Engineering 2025 (Inseneeria sõber 2025) – Onninen, a long-term supporter of the School of Engineering’s activities through continuous event collaboration, project sponsorship, and more.
• Contributor to Engineering Education 2025 (Inseneriharidusse panustaja 2025) – Arno Kolk, whose systematic and long-term efforts in promoting engineering, popularizing the field, and ensuring continuity have left an enduring mark on the profession.

Shared Goal: Growing the Next Generation of Engineers

The conference demonstrated that Estonian engineering education is moving in the right direction. The event brought together nearly 200 participants and was also broadcast online. Attendees agreed that such meetings are essential - they unite the community and create new opportunities for collaboration.

As a result of the cooperation between TalTech’s School of Engineering and the Engineering Academy, partnerships between schools and companies continue to grow, curricula are being renewed, and teaching is being developed to meet the needs of the labor market. Together, they are shaping the best engineering education in Estonia.

The organizers thank all speakers and participants!

The event gallery is available HERE.
The conference recording can be viewed HERE.