IT-expert: Working in public sector is good for entrepreneurs
Taavi Kotka, a former IT-businessman and now the deputy secretary general at Ministry of Economic Affairs and one of the initiators of the ambitious e-residency plan, said that entrepreneurs should also try their hand in public sector.
Kotka said that state is a good employer. “I do think that working in public services would be a good alternative for those entrepreneurs who for some reason were not conscripted. They could now use their experience in private sector and transfer their knowledge to public sector, giving them a renewed chance to serve their country, and assist with its development at the same time.”
According to Kotka, a common prejudice about the public sector among the entrepreneurs is that it is sluggish and inefficient. “But working within the system, the picture comes clearer. There are indeed areas that need more efficiency and some of the tasks could really be trusted upon the digital world, rather than people - but on a daily basis, I don't see much squandering.”
But Kotka conceded that there is a need to set targets better, as the objectives in the public sector are not specific and brave enough at present.
Kotka, who earned his degree in information technology from the University of Tartu, started in business 15 years ago. He was the co-owner of software development company Webmedia, which after merging with Finnish company CCC Corporation OY rebranded itself as Nortal and is now one of the largest software development companies in the Baltic states. Kotka assumed the government position in 2013.
Editor: S. Tambur