Just Transition Forum envisions the future of Ida-Viru county, discussing sustainable industry, the self-learning factory and flexible labour market

On 14 November, the Just Transition Forum “From smart shrinkage to sustainable large-scale industry. Visions for the future of Ida-Viru” will be held at the Narva College of the University of Tartu. The conference brings together researchers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers to discuss the future of the region in the search for a more sustainable development path.

“Whether in 20 years we can talk about Ida-Viru county as one of the drivers of sustainable industry in Estonia and Europe, a magnet for nature tourism or a centre of the silver economy is largely dependent on the choices we make today and the adaptability of businesses and residents,” said Katri Raik, one of the chief organisers of this year’s forum and Representative of the University of Tartu in Ida-Viru County. The forum focuses on how to guide change and take advantage of the new opportunities it offers.

Professor Erkki Karo of Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology, will lead the discussion of the ways sustainable industrial policies are made and how it could be done in Estonia. Maive Rute, a representative of the European Commission, will explain the choices facing Europe in the future. Professor Tauno Otto of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Tallinn University of Technology, explores smart technology solutions and energy trends for the industry of the future.

“It is critical for the development of Ida-Viru county to be able to manage change in a smart way and take advantage of the opportunities brought along by the green transition and new technologies. Successful regions are those where business, community and science work hand in hand,” said Mare Roosileht, Head of the Just Transition Fund consortium, Director of the Virumaa College of Tallinn University of Technology and co-organiser of the conference.

As technological innovation cannot happen without people, the conference will also address the needs of developing the labour market. Under the guidance of Triin Vihalemm, Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Tartu, the conference will look at factors influencing the regional labour market, how to assess the future development of the labour market in the Ida-Viru region, and what facilitates or hinders the exchange of information in shaping a high-quality labour market. Olga Zaitseva from NPM Narva OÜ, Mati Lukas, Director of the Ida-Virumaa Vocational Education Centre, Anneki Teelahk, Director of the Ida-Viru Office of the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund and Yngve Rosenblad from the Estonian Qualifications Authority will share their experiences.

At the end of the conference day, the local leaders’ views will be shared, among others, by Jaanus Purga, the former representative of the Estonian government in Ida-Viru county, and Irene Käosaar, the Head of Narva Estonian Upper Secondary School.

After the main programme of the conference of the joint research consortium of Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Tartu, it is possible to participate in workshops where researchers explain to entrepreneurs important issues about big data, renewable energy solutions and the circular economy, and discuss the needs and opportunities of shaping the labour market.

The moderator of the event will be Jüri Nikolajev, the Narva correspondent of the Estonian Broadcasting Company. 

All interested in participating are welcome to complete the registration form by 7 November.

The forum programme is available on the consortium website.