According to minister Tiit Riisalo, Estonian industry has been a very fast adaptor through various crises. Nevertheless, the increase in input prices, difficulties in obtaining raw materials and the decrease in demand in foreign markets have affected the competitiveness of our industrial enterprises. "Due to today's economic situation and the rapid development of technology, as well as the challenges arising from the environment, require stronger cooperation from both the state and businesses. If we want to remain internationally competitive and raise our labor productivity to 110 percent of the European Union average, more joint effort and focus is needed. By continuing with the same toolbox and the same effort, we will not achieve a leap in the quality of our economy," said Riisalo.
The Industrial Policy 2035 document represents the vision of companies and the expectations of the state regarding the development trends and needs of the Industry sector. The document was put together on the basis of discussions that lasted almost a year with representatives of companies and business organisations. The next step is to prepare a joint action plan and schedule in cooperation with partners and other ministries.
The industry sector highlighted 7 areas that need the attention of policy makers: 1) development and innovation 2) stable economic environment 3) workforce and education 4) automation and digital revolution 5) implementation of sustainable principles 6) promotion of regional entrepreneurship 7) improvement of industry visibility.
"The completed document is more general than probably all parties would like, but it is the first and very important step for opening the discussion on industry in the government," emphasized Katre Savi, head of the Association of Estonian Printing and Packaging Industry. According to her, industry is the backbone of the Estonian economy, and in order for the productivity and added value of Estonian industry to grow and for the growth and development to be sustainable, joint efforts are needed. "If, for example, the automation and digitization of production is more on the shoulders of the entrepreneurs, the availability of sufficient basic infrastructure and ensuring the competitiveness of energy prices is in the hands of the state. A smart industry awaits technology-savvy young people, and the industry of the future will be the face of today's education," Savi highlighted.
Currently, the state is also engaged in the promotion of all seven important areas of the industry, but the completed concept helps to direct the activities better and meet expectations. On the basis of Industrial Policy 2035, an action plan for cooperation with entrepreneurs and other ministries is also being prepared. "Everyone has a role to play in our economy, so that the transition of the industry from traditional production to smart production is easy and fast, and we ourselves would lead this change," Riisalo concluded.
- The industrial policy 2035 document is available in Estonian:
