uurimissuundad
Uurimissuundad, literally “research directions,” are strategic orientations used in research planning at universities, funding agencies and national programs. They define focus areas for inquiry, guide allocation of resources, and shape governance, collaboration, and dissemination. By articulating what counts as important questions and which methods are appropriate, uurimissuundad help coordinate researchers, institutions and funders toward common goals.
Development and governance: They are typically produced through foresight exercises, stakeholder consultations, and strategic documents. They
Types and examples: They can be fundamental or applied, short-term or long-term, and often cross-disciplinary. Examples
Impact: They guide funding calls, scholarships, and collaboration networks; influence curricula and skill development; and help
Challenges: Uurimissuundad may become overly rigid, potentially excluding exploratory research. There is a risk of bias