TalTech Strategic plan until 2035
Strategic plan 2026–2035
We are a Nordic technical university distinguished by cutting-edge research, bright and enterprising students, dedicated staff, and a strong contribution to economic and societal development.
We provide higher education at all levels in engineering, technology, natural sciences, and social sciences, driven by scientific and technological advancement, and, as Estonia’s only technical university, we are responsible for preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Our mission is to promote sustainable development and improve public welfare through world-class research, teaching, and development.
Our vision is to measure up to the best technical universities in the Nordic countries.
Our values are:
- professionalism and reliability – we deliver excellence in research, teaching, and service to society, guided by international best practices and principles of research ethics.
- entrepreneurial and innovative spirit – we are an innovative university of entrepreneurs, managers, scientists, and engineers, that both Estonia and our alumni are proud of;
- openness and cooperativeness – we value the commitment, development, and active contributions of our employees and students to both the university and society.
Our motto ‘Mente et Manu’ reflects our belief that the best higher education and research provided by a university should combine both theory and practice.
Our internationally recognized research supports the education of the next generation of scholars, addresses society’s growing demand for top specialists, and strengthens our role as an opinion leader. We focus on addressing the following three key challenges:
- clean, competitive and climate-friendly industry, construction, transport and energy;
- security and defence technologies;
- digitalisation and development of artificial intelligence.
Our research-based approach in teaching and learning addresses real-world challenges and provides students with practical, interdisciplinary, and teamwork experiences, helping to meet the growing demand for highly qualified engineers in the fields of engineering and technology.
We are a university of entrepreneurs and, through effective knowledge transfer, a preferred partner for companies and the public sector, enabling us to deliver practical and innovative solutions.
As a key shaper of society, we fulfil our distinctive role with integrity, enhancing our visibility and influence both in Estonia and internationally.
We are a cohesive and collaborative university, offering an attractive and modern learning, research, and working environment that fosters the resilience needed in a rapidly changing world.
On 19 December 2025, the Strategic Plan of Tallinn University of Technology 2026–2035 was approved by the University Board.
Overview of the preparation of the 2026–2035 strategic plan
According to the Tallinn University of Technology Act, the TalTech University Board initiated the preparation of the strategic plan, which is led by a steering committee established by the Rector.
Strategic Plan of Tallinn University of Technology 2021–2025.
More information about the preparation of the strategic plan:
Erik Puura – Chair of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee, erik.puura@taltech.ee
Reijo Karu – Head of the Rectorate Strategy Office, reijo.karu@taltech.ee
Indicative schedule for the preparation of the strategic plan:
- Stage I (until 31.05.2025): Discussions on development topics, engagement events, and seminars.
- Stage II (01.06.2025–31.08.2025): Agreement on main development goals and start of drafting the strategic plan text.
- Stage III (01.09.2025–16.11.2025): Drafting of the strategic plan and development of a system of goal indicators, beginning preparation of faculty action plans.
- Stage IV (17.11.2025–31.12.2025): Approval and adoption of the strategic plan and the corresponding faculty action plans.
- Stage V (winter–spring 2026): Introduction and implementation of the new strategic plan.
| Kuupäev | Sündmus | Teemad | Etapp | Tulemid |
| 28.03-28.05.2025 | Rector’s election-related events Leadership development seminar in Laulasmaa Annual seminar Development Plan Steering Committee meetings (I and II) | Initiation of the process, overall timeline, and organisational arrangements Determining the initial framework and key starting points | I | Formation of the Development Plan Steering Committee Launch of the main information channel: website Gathering ideas from the university community during the Rector’s election process Expectations set by the University Council |
| 01.06-31.08.25 | Development Plan Steering Committee meetings (III and IV) including the Särghaua seminar University Council meeting | Establishment of thematic working groups Collection and analysis of background materials Discussion of major key themes Preliminary discussion on performance indicators | II | Mapping of key ambitions and challenges Alignment of the University Council’s expectations with the process Principles and framework of the performance indicator system |
| 1.09-15.11.25 | Development Plan Steering Committee meetings International Advisory Board discussions Involvement of the university community in sharing ideas and feedback Meetings with faculty management teams Panel discussion with external experts | Performance indicator system Coherence between the development plan and the action plans of faculties and institutes Version 1.0 of the development plan draft | III | Development plan indicator system developed Consistency agreed between the development plan and the action plans of academic units First draft of the development plan text completed |
| 16.11-31.12.2025 | Development Plan Steering Committee meetings Senate and committee discussions Adoption and formal approval of the Development Plan | Complete development plan text and performance indicator system | IV | The development plan text and performance indicators have been finalised. The formal coordination and approval process is underwa |
Erik Puura – Vice-Rector for Entrepreneurship, Chair of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee;
Jarek Kurnitski - Vice-Rector for Research;
Ingrid Pappel - Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs;
Hendrik Voll – Vice-Rector for Endowment and Student Development;
Tea Trahov – Director for Administration;
Mari Avarmaa – Dean of the School of Business and Governance;
Gert Jervan – Dean of the School of Information Technologies ;
Andrus Salupere – Dean of the School of Science ;
Fjodor Sergejev – Dean of the School of Engineering;
Roomet Leiger – Director of the Estonian Maritime Academy;
Arvo Oorn – Member of the University Board;
Ants Vill – Member of the University Board;
Annette Vijar – Chair of the Student Union Board until 30.06.2025, from 01.07.2025 Alexander Rein Robas.
Annette Miller – teaduskomisjoni liige ja doktorantide esindaja;
Reijo Karu – Head of the Rectorate Strategy Office.
Involved members:
Betra Leesment – Director of Office of Academic Affairs;
Hanno Tomberg – Head of Open University of TalTech;
Mihkel Läänelaid – Head of Research Administration Office;
Caroline Aruoja – Head of technology Transfer Office;
Ergo Metsla – Head of Alumni and Support Relations Office.
Green Strategy 2023-2035
Through the development of technologies, education, and research, we contribute to the green transition, fostering the growth of the Estonian economy and society, while also developing an environmentally friendly university.
TALLINN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY GREEN STRATEGY 2023-2035 CAN BE FOUND HERE
Tallinn University of Technology is preparing a new strategic plan for 2026–2035, which will define the university's direction and main focus areas for the next decade. We invite interested partie...