Collaboration

The group is involved in multiple research areas, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Its research is interdisciplinary and applies critical approaches to explore the topics listed below. The group maintains active collaboration with professional accounting organisations in Estonia and internationally, and it provides consultancy to Estonian government institutions on strategic development and training programs.

Keywords: harmonisation of international accounting standards; financial performance assessment; critical perspectives in accounting; ESG reporting; accounting education; real-time accounting and digitalisation; cost accounting and budgeting; strategic management accounting; green accounting; cash flow management; accounting in financial innovation; performance management

The research focus of the Biomedical Laboratory is on Helicobacter pylori (HP) and its role in various liver diseases. HP is a Gram-negative bacterium adapted to survive in the acidic environment of the human stomach. In Estonia, about 70% of the adult population is infected with it. HP causes inflammation and ulcers in the stomach, and in severe cases, can lead to gastric cancer. Furthermore, HP can also affect other organs, including the liver.

Main research directions:

• The role of Helicobacter pylori-induced invadosomes in liver damage. We have previously shown that HP induces the formation of invadosomes in infected liver cells. We are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, using both in vitro methods and transcriptome sequencing.
• Clinical aspects of Helicobacter pylori-induced liver damage. We use livers from HP-infected experimental mice to study the bacterium’s impact on the liver over different time periods. In addition, we analyse changes in the expression levels of markers such as YAP1 and CD44.
• The role of Helicobacter pylori-affected intestinal microbiota in the development of liver diseases. We include Estonian patients in the study to characterise the HP strains circulating, as well as their impact on the oral/gastric/intestinal microbiota and the liver.

Cognitronics, also known as cognitive electronics, focuses on electronic systems that can adapt to changing conditions and are energy efficient. Cognitronics is a key enabler for nearly all modern applications, including industry, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and many other fields.

The research group focuses on two main directions:

• Energy-Efficient Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Bioanalytical Instruments and Lab-on-Chip
  • Co-design of hardware and software for resource-efficient and reliable wireless networked control systems, e.g., for bioanalytical instruments.
  • Software-based implementation of resource-constrained wireless communication technologies, e.g., for IIoT and large-scale machine-type communication systems.
  • Design and implementation of cognitive electronic instruments for bioanalysis and bioproduction applications, including microfluidics and bioanalytical systems, as well as their automation using machine learning and digital twins for control and optimisation in lab-on-chip environments.
  • Embedded algorithms for feature extraction and interpretation in bio/chemical analysis (e.g., image analysis of cell/biomolecule interactions, light intensity measurement).
  • Applied embedded/edge machine learning for decision-making, control, and actuation to ensure resource-efficient implementation of the above.

The focus is on comparative regional and micro-level studies. The main areas of interest are productivity, human capital, innovation, investment, and competitiveness in export markets.

The research objective is to identify the factors that support or hinder productivity-enhancing investments in new technologies and production processes, human capital, research and development, and innovation. One research focus is on regional convergence, incorporating spatial aspects and institutional factors into the analytical framework to generate new knowledge on the impact of digital innovation and the adoption of digital solutions on productivity growth and economic well-being.

The research supports the development of policy measures for stable, long-term economic growth by applying modern evidence-based quantitative models and econometric evaluations to study the effects of factors stemming from economic conditions, business and individual decisions, and incentives on productivity, innovation, and export capacity.

Keywords: productivity, innovation, R&D, investment, export, digital economy

The research group aims to contribute to contemporary academic literature in the field of financial economics. Special attention is given to topics related to the digitalisation of finance (e.g., crowdfunding, ICOs, cryptocurrencies, digital wallets, robo-advising), the business models and ecosystems of FinTechs, and sustainable finance. The group’s research focuses on structural economics and economic development, innovation, technological change, and growth.

Traditional and behavioural finance theories are applied to study corporate finance, personal finance, financial markets, and banking, with the goal of better understanding the behaviour of individuals, firms, and financial intermediaries, as well as their interrelations, primarily in a European context. An interdisciplinary approach is used to investigate the business, regulatory, and technological aspects related to the green transition and digitalisation of finance, as well as their economic impact. This research is crucial for identifying factors that can help improve the competitiveness and performance of national economies through appropriate regulatory measures.

Keywords: FinTech, financial intermediation, digital economy, financial economics, behavioural finance

The Laboratory of Environmental Technology at the Department of Materials and Environmental Technology was established during the structural reform of Tallinn University of Technology in 2016–2017, on the former Chair of Chemical Technology at the Department of Environmental Protection and Chemical Technology. As the logical successor of this department, the research laboratory primarily focuses on water, air, and soil purification, with an emphasis on advanced oxidation processes.

The laboratory offers research topics for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral theses; it is equipped with modern analytical instruments, and it is always open to collaboration with other institutions and private companies. In addition, the laboratory staff are closely involved in teaching and learning activities.

Maritime transport encompasses cargo and passenger transportation. Nearly 90% of global goods are shipped by sea. Demand for transport is growing, which drives advancements in supply chain management to maintain competitiveness. Traditional shipping services have expanded to include terminal and warehouse services, as well as agency and chartering operations. These developments are closely linked to the digitalisation of maritime transport and the resulting changes in how the maritime sector, education, and research & development operate.

The field specialists at the EMERA Maritime Centre have acquired up-to-date knowledge and practical experience, which, when combined, enable them to provide knowledge-based services to the maritime sector, advancing and enhancing sea transport and port management. To support this direction, a Maritime Transport Research Group was established at the Estonian Maritime Academy in spring 2021.

The research group focuses on two main areas:

• Smart and Energy-Efficient Environments. How do tightening environmental regulations affect shipping companies, ports, and maritime markets? Research analyses current shipping business models and explores how new fuels, ship design, and operational changes influence the industry’s business models and activities. The studies are multidisciplinary, and various research methods can be applied.
• Future-Oriented Management. The operation and competitiveness of shipping companies, ports, and the maritime sector in different market conditions, including cargo and passenger volumes, financial situations, fleet availability, and even politics and public opinion. The work is carried out in close collaboration with authorities or companies, often directly commissioned by them.

The Measurement Electronics Research Group at the Toomas Johann Seebeck Department of Electronics, Tallinn University of Technology, studies and develops various testing, measurement, and data acquisition solutions. The group has long-standing expertise in developing impedance spectroscopy-based measurement solutions for applications in medicine/healthcare, materials science, industry, and other fields. The history of impedance measurement at the university dates to the 1930s (Paul Plak’s work for applications in physical chemistry) and the 1980s (vector voltmeters – Mart Min, Toomas Parve).

The research group has also worked on solutions based on image processing and analysis (3D laser scanners, medical image processing combined with machine learning – Olev Märtens in collaboration with doctoral students Tõnis Saar, Ago Mõlder, Anindya Gupta, and others). Members of the group are authors of hundreds of scientific articles, dozens of book chapters, and numerous inventions.

The group conducts research across several areas of organisation and management, including leadership, future of work, well-being, responsible and ethical organisational development, and sustainable management. The group’s research aims to expand the evidence-based knowledge in the fields of organisation and management, thereby contributing to society by exploring new opportunities and solving challenges that organisations in Estonia and around the world face. The group takes an interest in how organisations adapt their knowledge and access to new digital solutions to develop innovative approaches and achieve sustainable growth. Members of the research group bring extensive experience from working in various national and international private and public organisations. The goal is to leverage and build upon this experience to promote broader societal well-being.

Keywords: leadership; well-being; responsible and ethical organisational development; leader–follower dynamics; strategic management; knowledge and innovation management; risk management; human resource management; change management; occupational health; organisational psychology; workplace safety and risk; future of work and digital transformation

The research group is involved in studying the complex composition, structure, and behaviour of food. Experienced faculty and state-of-the-art equipment provide students with excellent opportunities to gain practical experience in food chemistry, nutrition, microbiology, taste science, (bio)technology, and related fields. The group investigates the effects of processing techniques on food quality, nutritional value, and sensory properties, while developing innovative solutions to enhance food safety, sustainability, and health benefits.

Main Research Directions:

• Fermentation and biotechnology processes for valorising food resources
• Flavour and taste science, physicochemical studies
• Nutrition and food-omics in human microbiome research
• Food systems and stability

Sustainable Value Chain Management involves tasks and processes that support the implementation of growth opportunities and innovations within a corporate strategy. To ensure continuous innovation, sustainable value chain management focuses on the strategic development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of potential innovations. The research group investigates potential development trajectories and innovation opportunities within and between organisations.

An interdisciplinary approach is applied, drawing on business studies, sustainable management (e.g., circular economy), environmental economics, production and innovation management, engineering, information technology, design, and social sciences. The research is done in the framework of the European strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

The group studies innovation and growth opportunities related to the circular economy, digitalisation, smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, big data, strategic alliances, networks, industrial strategies, and competitiveness. Research is typically funded through European and/or national projects within the framework of university–industry or university–public sector (e.g., ministries) collaboration.

Keywords: sustainable business development; production management; resource-efficient innovation; environmental economics; green economy; smart supply chain management; organisational learning; data science

The foundation was established early in 2022 to initiate and support social initiatives. The founders of this non-governmental, non-profit, and non-political initiative were Kersti Kaljulaid and Taavi Linnamäe. While the first initiatives were launched in Estonia, the foundation’s ambition is to take responsibility on a broader scale as well.

The foundation has three areas of activity:

• Advocating for vulnerable groups in society
• Promoting democracy and freedoms
• Creating new opportunities in sports and physical activity