Transcript Estonian ICT market research

Estonian ICT market
Key facts about Estonian ICT
market
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52 per cent of the population (aged 6-74 years) are Internet users (TNS EMOR, spring
2004).
30 per cent of the households have a computer at home, 75 per cent of home computers
are connected to the Internet (e-Track Survey, TNS EMOR, spring 2004).
All Estonian schools are connected to the Internet.
There are over 700 Public Internet Access Points in Estonia, 51 per 100 000 people (one
of the highest numbers in Europe).
The number of Estonian websites surpassed one million already in 2001.
Income tax declarations can be submitted electronically via Internet.
Expenditures made by the government can be followed on the Internet in real-time.
Cabinet meetings have been changed to paperless sessions using a web-based document
system.
68 per cent of Estonian Internet users conduct their everyday banking via Internet (eTrack Survey, TNS EMOR, spring 2004).
89 per cent of the population are mobile phone subscribers (Eesti Telekom AS,
September 2004).
Estonia is completely covered with digital mobile phone networks
Estonian ICT sector data
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in 2005 IT market growth in Estonia is expected to reach
9.3%
Prime’s TOP-20 Estonian IT companies evidenced a
significant growth of 24% in revenue in 2004.
IT spending in Estonia in 2004 grew by 16.5%.
More than 90% mobile network users
Implementation of new e-voting system
Estonian top 10 IT companies
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Reaalsüsteemide AS Tallinn
Webmedia AS Tartu
AQRIS SOFTWARE AS Tallinn
Võrguvara AS Tallinn
Elion Ettevõtted AS Tallinn
Data Telecom OÜ Tallinn
Microlink AS Tallinn
Pro-STEP OÜ Tallinn
Trigger Software OÜ Tallinn
Makato Eesti OÜ Tallinn
Estonian R&D
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Five universities (University of Tartu, Tallinn Technical University,
Estonian Business School, University Nord, and Tallinn Pedagogical
University ), a number of polytechnic educational institutions and
many training companies provide basic and specialized education in IT
and IT management.
The E-Governance Academy was created in 2002 as a non-profit
organization for the development and analysis of e-governance and edemocracy, whose aim is to transfer knowledge to top policy-makers
and government Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
specialists in developing nations. EGA implements its mission through
the provision of training services, organizing research, facilitating
networking and enabling exchange of experience in broad areas of egovernance. Located in Tallinn, Estonia, the Academy provides a
platform for analyzing and systematizing both international and
domestic experience into forms of knowledge that can be transferred to
those interested both in Estonia and abroad.
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The IT College was created in 2000 as a co-operation project
between the two largest Estonian public universities, the
Tallinn Technical University and the University of Tartu,
and the Estonian ICT industry. The IT College is a private
institution, it works very closely with both universities as
well as with the IT and telecom industries.
The main advisory body to the Government in R&D is the
Estonian Research and Development Council (RDC).
Priority has been given to information technology, gene
technology, environmental technology and material science.
In developing new technologies, one of the most successful
fields is also cryptography.
The Estonian Academy of Sciences is an organisation
unifying scientific pursuits. The Estonian Science
Foundation, the Innovation Foundation and the Science
Competence Council are involved in the financing of R&D.
The vast majority of R&D is carried out in universities and
public research institutes.
Information Policy
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Public Information Act (2001)
Guarantees citizens’ constitutional right to information; regulates what
information on the administrative apparatus and its activities is to be offered to
the public; asserts that all information must be accessible also through the
Internet.
Digital Signatures Act (2000)
Stipulates the possibility to use digital signatures in public sector organisations
as of June 1, 2001. The digital signature infrastructure is developed through
the cooperation of public sector and private sector organisations, such as banks
and ICT vendors.
Telecommunications Act (2000)
The purpose of this act is to create favourable conditions for the development
of telecommunications and to guarantee the protection of the users of
telecommunications services by promoting free competition.
Other relevant acts related to the information society include Archives Act,
Databases Act, Personal Data Protection Act, Population Register Act. English
translations of these acts are available at www.legaltext.ee.
IST – Principles of the
Estonian Information Policy in 2004-2006
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Development of e-services for citizens, business sector and public
administration
Creating and analyzing IT solutions that stimulate development of
eDemocracy
Creating an operational electronic voting system
Increasing effectiveness of the public sector. An emphasis will be put on the
electronic communications and electronic information exchange by state
and local governments
Increasing computer literacy of the population, eEducation
eSecurity. Improving and developing Information Technology Security Policy
Sustaining international reputation of Estonia as a well developing information
and communication technology nation. Improving weaker IT sectors to
average EU level. Participating in EU projects
eInvolvement. Increasing opportunities for society in IT and digital solutions
usage. Making sure the society has access to the Internet by increasing the
number of public Internet sites.
IST – eDemocracy and eGoverment
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In August 2000, the Government of Estonia, as a world pioneer, changed its
Cabinet meetings to paperless sessions using a web-based eGovernment
system. Ministers peruse draft bills and regulations, make comments and
suggestions, and vote entirely online at computer terminals. The system,
coupled with the use of digital signatures, eliminates need of sending
mountains of papers between ministries for consultation
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Current election laws will include e-voting option starting from 2005 elections,
provided that all crucial technical issues ( e.g. safeguarding against fraud) are
solved by that time
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In summer 2001, the Government created a web page I decide today.
Ministries upload all their draft bills and amendments there, allowing people to
review, comment on and make proposals on the legislative process as well as
propose amendments to existing legislation
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Since January 2002, the Citizenship and Migration Board issues a new primary
domestic identification document - the ID card
IST – Digital signature and ID card
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With digital signatures you can use electronic paperless communications
instead of using paper and handwritten signatures
In Estonia anyone who has a valid ID card can give digital signatures.
According to Estonian law, digital signatures are equivalent to handwritten
ones if the corresponding systems meet certain regulations
ID cards are mandatory for all Estonian residents, including Estonian citizens
and resident aliens
Function of ID card is twofold:
- It is very convenient to use it as a regular ID, e.g. while proving your age or
identity when paying at a retailer using a bank card, or at a local government
office.
- The ID card also functions as an electronic identity, enabling you to use
services online conveniently and securely