CERN representatives to discuss possibility of Estonian membership during upcoming visit
A delegation from the International Relations department of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is scheduled to visit Estonia on May 2-3 in order to get acquainted with Estonia’s manufacturing, research and decision-making circles, as well as forge direct contacts for possible talks on Estonia joining CERN.
In order for Estonian enterprises to be better able to compete internationally, it is necessary for Estonian companies to produce more high-tech products with high added value — higher wages, bigger investments, and more profit — and according to Estonia’s Minister of Entrepreneurship Liisa Oviir, one possibility for reaching these goals is to increase institutional exports to research centers like the European Space Agency (ESA) and CERN, which are known for ordering demanding and technologically innovative solutions.
Estonia joined the ESA last year, and as a result, Estonian companies have already received orders for the development of high-tech products and services. Becoming a member of CERN would similarly substantially increase the opportunities of Estonian businesses to offer quality high-tech products and services around the world.
“Establishing closer top-level contacts is an important prerequisite to better understanding possible gains and expenses in the long term,” explained Oviir. “The ESA example has proven very positive so far. The next step is to determine what the possibilities are of CERN membership being profitable in the long run.”
According to Marco Kirm, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Tartu, “Estonia’s research activities in CERN have increased over the past few years.” He added that participation in CERN programs supports cooperation between Estonian businesses and scientists.
The representatives from CERN are scheduled to meet with Oviir as well as representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research, visit companies operating in Tallinn and Sillamäe, as well as visit the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, and the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics.
Editor: Editor: Aili Sarapik
Source: BNS