An emerging biomedical business in a low capitalised country

Abstract

This paper focuses on the description of an emerging biomedical business in an old university town Tartu, Estonia. The case can be considered rather unique as far as new high‐tech industries are normally developed in rich regions with high human and venture capital. Firstly, we identify very basic theoretical and methodological principles for this study. We continue with a general statistical data analysis of biomedical business in Estonia and Tartu. Thirdly, we examine the local business environment. Finally, we follow the institutional set‐up of R&D support structures and the activities of universities in creating new spin‐off companies.

Notes

Pritt Tamm, Department of Research and Institutional Development of the University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, 50090, Tartu, Estonia, [phone], [phone], [email protected]

Dr. Garri Raagmaa, University of Tartu Pärnu College, Ringi 35, 80010, Pärnu, Estonia, Email: [email protected]

Dr. Garri Raagmaa, University of Tartu Pärnu College, Ringi 35, 80010, Pärnu, Estonia, Email: [email protected]

Commercial companies whose main business purpose is to research, develop and sell products, technologies and services on the basis of modern biotechnology. The fields of application lie in the field of healthcare (therapeutics and diagnostics), agriculture, food, biotechnology fine chemicals and basic goods production as well as environmental protection. These sectors are generally referred to collectively as the Life Sciences Industry.

The application of science and technology to living organisms, as well as parts, products and models thereof, to alter living or non‐living materials for the production of knowledge, goods and services.

Here biomedicine is defined as research and development done in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and chemistry for application in medicine.

At the beginning of 2004 the Estonian Genome project was significantly changed due to rising competition, and executive managers of the EGeen resigned.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Garri Raagmaa

Pritt Tamm, Department of Research and Institutional Development of the University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, 50090, Tartu, Estonia, [phone], [phone], [email protected] Dr. Garri Raagmaa, University of Tartu Pärnu College, Ringi 35, 80010, Pärnu, Estonia, Email: [email protected]