EKI'S BACKGROUND

Estonian Institute of Economic Research (EKI) was established as an institute of the Estonian government in 1934. Its permanent membership included the Ministries of Economy, Agriculture and Foreign Affairs, Tartu University, The Bank of Estonia, the Long-term Bank, the Chamber of Commerce, the Estonian Country Bank and Chamber of Agriculture.

EKI initially worked under the supervision of the State Secretary. In partnership with the Department of Statistics and other State economic institutes, Estonia's economic situation was monitored and analysed, and many periodicals reporting the findings were issued. In 1940, under the rule and occupation of the USSR, the developing capitalistic economy was quashed and EKI was closed. In 1966, the Estonian Branch of the ÜKTUI began to research the trade situation in Estonia. This was an Institute of the Government. In 1990, when Estonia was in the process of regaining its independence, the Estonian Branch broke away from the UKTUI and, under its own name (the Estonian Institute of Economic Research), continued its research of economic factors. From 1990 to 1997, EKI was an institute of the Estonian Government, administered by the Minister of the Economy. EKI was privatised in 1997. The owners became the Estonian Chamber of Commerce, the Baltic Computer Systems Company and seven individuals (of whom six are employees of EKI). In 2007 the Estonian Chamber of Commerce became the sole owner of EKI.

EKI may be considered a centre of excellence compared with other for-profit organisations, as it operates under a private legal status dedicated to applied (developing) research and that its charter has been approved and registered by the Ministry of Education.

 EKI'S AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of EKI is, through its research, to further develop the Estonian economy. EKI gathers socio-economic data, processes and analyses it in a manner which allows high quality inferences to be drawn and macro as well as micro-economic decisions made. This information is available for purchase from EKI, to enable leaders and entrepreneurs to make appropriate decisions within the prevailing market arena.

The objectives of EKI are:

  • Analyse and objectively evaluate all aspects relating to Estonia's economic situation
  • Monitor economic conditions throughout the world (particularly the Baltic States) and analyse this in term's of Estonia's economic situation
  • Continuously collect and process economic information in a consistent manner
  • Undertake specific research of prevailing economic problems in an effort to resolve these
  • To provide the government and entrepreneurs with economic data which will enable them to make optimal socio-economic decisions.

EKI's points of strength are:

  • Long-standing, well-developed data base
  • Professional staff
  • High quality and professionalism of its output, which is well detailed and directed towards an economic perspective
  • Quick responsiveness to client's requirements
  • Flexibility and resourcefulness
  • Risk-preparedness in establishing new themes and developing appropriate methodogies
  • EKI's establish good image among the general public and particularly among its long-term clients.

EKI'S WORKING PARTNERSHIPS

EKI works together with:

  • Departments of State bodies involved in economic research (Ministries of the Economy, Finance, Agriculture, Foreign Office and the Bank of Estonia)
  • Estonian Department of Statistics
  • Overseas' Departments of Statistics (Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Latvia, Lithuania)
  • Estonian scientific organisations and higher educational institutions
  • Newspapers - to distribute information and also for public relations purposes
  • Overseas research organisations (Sweden's Economic Research Institute, Munich's Economic Research Institute IFO, TIKE - Land and Forestry Ministry, Latvia's Agricultural Institute, etc.) - for exchange of information as well as to develop methodology and ensure comparability.