- Reset +

President Ilves: our efforts may help Estonia become a leading IT centre within 10-20 years

02.11.2012

The President, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who gave an opening address at the annual IT and communication sector conference, From Vision to Solution, described three important future scenarios that require the interests of both the IT sector and those who shape the political landscape.

First of all, information technology and related issues need a more visible, higher-ranking and powerful place in the government of Estonia.

"We should abandon the ministerial model of task division, which originates from the 19th century, and create the position of an IT Minister who is responsible for shaping the digital development of the country," told President Ilves. "The presence of an IT Minister would contribute to more powerful implementation of developments in educational and labour policies."

Secondly, we should summarise Estonia's current experience in the use of information technology in the private sector, citizens' initiatives and throughout the country in general, adding to the international dimension that we already have.

"Then we must channel our efforts in such a way that Estonia will become a leading IT centre in terms of use, development and research within 10-20 years," told President Ilves.

Third, considering Estonia's upcoming presidency of the European Union in 2018, we must actively push the EU's Digital Agenda to give a new substance to digital signature, cross-border data communication and the free movement of services, including e-trade, emphasised the Estonian Head of State.

Office of the President
Public Relations Department
Phone +372 631 6229