Education and Science, Estonia, GDP, Investments, Technology

In 2012, Estonia's R&D spending reached 2.19% o the GDP. Total spending of sectors of economy on R&D reached 380.69 million euros in 2012. "Although this is in absolute sums by around 1% less than a year earlier, it reflects a long-term positive development direction," said Ansip. "As compared to the year 2007, the total volume of the spending has more than doubled. The growth of Estonian R&D activities has been the fastest in the European Union," said Ansip as reported by the government communication unit.

Ansip said that the state has made remarkable investments in the R&D activities over the years and the next step is to create a better synergy between the research and business sectors.

"We can be satisfied if by the year 2020, the contribution of the business sector forms two thirds of R&D spending and the total volume of R&D spending in the country forms at least 3% of the GDP," said Ansip.