Estonia, Forum, Good for Business, Innovations, Technology

A total of 61 states were included in the comparison this year, Estonia participated in the comparison for the first time, spokespeople for the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research said. In addition to Estonia, 15 more countries received the award -- Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association and presenter of the award, said that these countries are world-class supporters of innovation.

Estonia was recognized for its societal entrepreneurship, creation of a large number of new businesses, progressive political leadership, openness to innovation and support for creation and implementation of technology. Residents' opportunities for and proficiency in the use of technologies as well as the spread and use of innovative technologies, such as those regarding the sharing economy, were also an important aspect. Estonia is thus the most innovative state in Central and Eastern Europe.

In the international comparison, states are weighed in various categories, such as internet connection, regulation of the sharing economy as well as the use of drones and implementation of self-driving vehicles.

"It was our long-term forward-looking culture of progress and innovation that brought Estonia this award. We have valuable people with high qualifications and our technology enterprises are creating products that change the world," Minister of Education and Research Mailis Reps, who accepted the award, said. The minister added that this was an important promotion of Estonia at the largest technology fair in the world.

"I am wholeheartedly pleased that our decisions regarding educational policy, the enthusiasm of teachers and schools and attitudes in the society have created a state that serves as a model for many of the states who previously served as role models for us," Reps was quoted by ministry spokespeople as saying.