Between September 2025 and August 2029, several training programmes will be carried out to strengthen the competencies of researchers, doctoral students, support staff and managers, ensuring that research results reach society. The lead partner for this activity is the University of Tartu, which is also responsible for the knowledge transfer strand. TalTech leads the business development strand and Tallinn University is responsible for the innovation management strand.

The broader goal of the programme is to contribute to the growth of science-based entrepreneurship in Estonia and support the national objective of creating at least 500 deep-tech companies, based on university research and innovation, by 2030. “The Estonian state has set a very ambitious goal, and our role as universities is to provide the knowledge and skills base to achieve it,” explained Kristy Tättar, Coordinator of Business Development Training Programmes at the TalTech Startup Centre.

Three focus areas, two levels: knowledge transfer, business development and innovation management

The activity consists of three strands: business development, knowledge transfer and innovation management. In the fields of knowledge transfer and innovation management, both basic and advanced courses are offered. These courses are built from various modules and cover different aspects of knowledge transfer and innovation management for participants at different levels.

The basic business development course also takes place once a year and provides participants with a comprehensive overview of how research results can be applied in practice. The advanced business development programme offers specialised one-day trainings that participants can select based on their interests and role-specific needs. “At the basic level we create a shared understanding, while at the advanced level we dive deeper into specific domains,” explained Tättar.

Nationwide Collaboration Network

The consortium includes 20 partners, such as TalTech, the University of Tartu, Tallinn University, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, the Estonian Aviation Academy, the Estonian Academy of Arts and the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Other partners - including Tartu Health Care College, Tallinn Health Care College, the Estonian Military Academy, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, Pallas University of Applied Sciences and several state research and development institutions (the Institute of the Estonian Language, the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, the Estonian Literary Museum, the National Institute for Health Development, the Estonian National Museum and the Under and Tuglas Literature Centre) - are also able to send their staff to participate in the training programmes.

The target group includes doctoral students, junior lecturers, teaching staff, academic employees with a doctoral degree, support staff and decision-makers/managers from public universities as well as state research and development institutions. Participation is limited to ensure meaningful engagement.

“Everything starts with a concrete need — we choose the topic, find the best trainer and build the content around it.”

TalTech is responsible for the business development strand and works closely with university lecturers and industry practitioners in delivering the trainings.

The basic business development courses held each spring are organised by the TalTech Entrepreneurship Department in cooperation with the Department of Business Administration. Advanced trainings are offered year-round, averaging two sessions per month under the umbrella title “Science-Based Entrepreneurship for Advanced Learners.” This year, several practically oriented trainings have already taken place, such as “Science-Based Entrepreneurship for Advanced Learners: Economic Sustainability of Circular Bioeconomy” (22 October) and “ESG and Regulations” (30 October). These sessions focused on understanding the economic and regulatory aspects of science-based entrepreneurship and provided participants with opportunities to discuss real-life cases.

Knowledge that strengthens entrepreneurial capacity

The aim is for the training programmes to enhance universities’ ability to assess the market potential of research results, design viable business models and strengthen collaboration with companies. “We measure success through practical changes — whether the skills are applied and whether new collaborations emerge,” added Tättar.

During the TULEVIK project, the University of Tartu will organise 150 training days for basic courses and 64 training days for advanced courses in the knowledge transfer strand. Tallinn University will deliver 120 basic course training days and 36 advanced course days in innovation management.

TalTech plans to offer approximately 72 advanced business development trainings and 84 basic course training days over the four-year period.

Participants will also have access to international study trips and training opportunities designed to enhance skills and foster partnerships with international actors. Due to budget constraints, priority is given to targeted foreign trainings and smaller groups, which ensure greater added value for each participant.

Welcoming new ideas and training topics

According to Kristy Tättar, ideas and proposals for future training topics are highly welcome at this stage. “We want staff to let us know what they are missing. This way we can offer exactly the kinds of trainings that are most essential for bridging science and entrepreneurship.”

ASTRA+ Project — Activity 2

Objective: To strengthen and improve knowledge and skills in knowledge transfer and business development.
Lead institutions: University of Tartu (knowledge transfer), TalTech (business development), Tallinn University (innovation management).
TalTech contact: Kristy Tättar

Focus: Developing competencies in knowledge transfer, business development and innovation management, and providing practical trainings for employees of universities and research institutions.
Outcome: Enhanced ability of researchers and specialists to bring research results to market, increased entrepreneurial capacity within universities and stronger collaboration between science and society.