Estonia's Tartu embarks on e-Tartu project

Jun 29, 2000

Deputy Mayor Hannes Astok said the city's aim is to provide a common foundation and framework for movement toward an information society by drawing up a corresponding program by Sept. 1.

"If the city government approves the program, we'll map out a clearly defined action plan - what is to be done, who will do it and who will pay the cost," Astok said.

The action plan must secure realization of the program's three key objectives - extensive Internet connection, innovative corporate culture, and townspeople's participation - by the end of 2002 in the main part.

Tartu is the pioneer in Estonia in going along with the European Commission's e-Europe action plan. Astok believes it may even be among leaders in the whole of Europe.

"As the e-Europe plan was endorsed only last week, e-Tartu is probably one of the first regional initiatives in Europe," he said.

Implementation of the program will probably be funded by co-financing, including appropriations from the European Union, the deputy mayor said.

"Some tasks, for example, do not directly concern the municipality," he said. "Meanwhile, if e-Tartu works properly, the whole city will reap the benefit."

As a first task, the program may solve the question of bringing a quality Internet link to all townspeople, Astok said.

The city government's likely partners in the e-Tartu project are Tartu University, Estonian Agricultural Academy and private businesses and nonprofit organizations both in Estonia and abroad, Astok said.

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