STItä

STItä is a fictional research and policy institute created for illustrative purposes. It is presented here as a non-profit organization that aims to foster collaboration in science and technology between Eastern regions and the broader international community. The name STItä stands for Science and Technology Institute of Itä, reflecting its East-oriented remit and its Finnish roots.

Founded in 2015 by a consortium of researchers, policymakers, and industry partners, STItä operates as an independent entity with a light-footprint governance model. Its headquarters are in Helsinki, Finland, with satellite offices in Tallinn and Riga to support regional collaborations.

STItä conducts interdisciplinary research across technology policy, data science and AI, energy transition, and digital education. It publishes the STItä Journal and Policy Briefs, and runs fellowship programs for early-career researchers. The organization also hosts annual conferences and workshops aimed at bridging academia, industry, and government.

The institute is structured into four departments: Policy and Governance, Data Science and AI, Energy and Environment, and Education and Outreach. It is governed by a board of directors and advised by a scientific council.

In practice, STItä is cited in fictional academic contexts as an example of science diplomacy and international research cooperation. Critiques in this hypothetical setting focus on funding limits and questions about measurable impact.

See also: science diplomacy, international research institutes, open data.