Photo: Brand Estonia
Adapter, a collaboration network for entrepreneurs and research institutions, has started its work, connecting Estonian universities and researchers with entrepreneurs to develop a smart and strong economy. It is the largest network of its kind in Estonia. Adapter was originally created in 2016, and after a short break, it is now gaining new momentum and a modern platform through ASTRA+ funding.
According to Erik Puura, Vice-Rector for Entrepreneurship at TalTech, Adapter’s goal is to support the smart development of the Estonian economy. “As a small country, we need to do this together and wisely. There are 26 research institutions and universities in the network – this is a powerful knowledge base that companies should boldly use. We encourage entrepreneurs to dream big and boldly so that science can come to their aid – this is the only way to increase Estonia’s competitiveness. The meeting between entrepreneurs and scientists is crucial, because it is through communication, curiosity and an open mind that useful cooperation is born.”
Through the platform created by Adapter, a company can find and order applied research and analysis, laboratory measurements and testing, product development and prototyping, technological consulting and other scientific cooperation. Finding an initial cooperation partner is free for the company, the fee is agreed later in contractual cooperation. In addition to the digital partner platform, Adapter also includes various networking events, club activities and international cooperation projects. The artificial intelligence-powered system helps companies find more suitable scientific partners and solutions in one place.
According to Adapter CEO Jaanus Vahesalu, the symbiosis of science and entrepreneurship is one of the most important success factors in modern business development. “While science creates new knowledge and technologies, entrepreneurship gives them application and market value. It is this cooperation that creates the ground for the birth of innovative products and services that distinguish companies from their competitors and increase the added value of the entire economy. Science-based business development is no longer the direction of the future, but a prerequisite for today’s success. Often, the parties are unable to see the points of contact, either due to low awareness, short-term cooperation or prejudices. The courage to meet, ask, show interest and listen to each other – this is what gives rise to cooperation.”
The Adapter’s activities are funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the ASTRA+ programme, which aims to increase the impact of research and the knowledge transfer capacity of research institutions. The cooperation network is coordinated by the AIRE centre at TalTech.
