Estonia pushes forward on clusters

TALLINN - Enterprise Estonia has decided to provide 12.8 million kroons (820,500 euros) of support for development of an Estonian logistics cluster, reports Enterprise Estonia. The objective of the application from MTU Logistika ja Transiidi Assotsiatsioon (NGO Association of Logistics and Transit), “Development of an Estonian logistics cluster,” is to market the potential of the Estonian logistics sector on various target markets and to increase export turnover, which will be preceded by the development of products and services with high export potential, the creation of a central information channel, the shaping of a standard visual identity and the development of content and communications. The program is funded by the European Fund for Regional Development.

The cost of the entire logistics cluster project is 18.4 million kroons. The cluster involves 18 partners, including the Port of Tallinn, the Port of Sillamae, Paldiski Ports, Estonian Railway, Tallinn Airport and the Tallinn University of Technology.
“The Estonian logistics sector is very well-developed and a key area when it comes to export. Creating this cluster provides an opportunity to market the sector better to international markets and put out a unified message,” said Enterprise Estonia’s Enterprise Capability Division director, Pille-Liis Kello. “We believe that the synergy from the cluster will open up new opportunities for the Estonian logistics sector and will have a positive effect on export turnover growth,” she added.

As a result of the cluster’s activity, the export turnover of the members should increase by at least 30 percent in five years.
The Estonian logistics cluster also includes the Estonian Ports Association, DBT, E.R.S., Spacecom, Contimer, Vopak E.O.S., Alexela Logistics, Esteve Terminal, Bominflot Estonia, Smarten Logistics, Erahariduskeskus and the State Resources Center.
Up to this point, Enterprise Estonia has provided 20 million kroons for five full clusters. Of these, two are IT clusters and two are timber and wood clusters, and one is engaged in development of wind energy.