teadustööst

Teadustööstus, also written teadustööst, refers to the segment of the economy that translates scientific knowledge into commercially usable technologies, products, and processes. It encompasses firms and organizations that perform or enable research and development (R&D), including research-intensive manufacturers, contract research organizations, technology transfer offices, and parts of universities and public research institutes focused on commercialization. The term is used in Estonian discourse to describe the science-driven or knowledge-intensive part of industry within the broader knowledge economy.

Core activities include basic and applied research, development of new products and processes, prototyping, testing, and the transfer of technology to industry. Licensing, spin-off creation, and collaborative research projects between academia and business are typical features. Intellectual property management and the creation of innovation ecosystems are often emphasized to facilitate commercialization.

Economic and social role: teadustööstus aims to raise productivity and competitiveness by turning scientific findings into marketable goods and services. It underpins high-skilled employment, drives regional development, and fosters technological advancement. Success often depends on access to researchers, capital, supportive regulation, and effective collaboration among universities, research institutes, and industry.

Policy and challenges: financing arrangements, such as public R&D funding, grants, and private investment, shape growth. Long development horizons, the commercialization gap, IP rights, and the need for international collaboration are common challenges. Governments seek to strengthen teadustööst through innovation policies, tax incentives, and public–private partnerships.