Estonia has been proactive in advancing its AI landscape, implementing various initiatives and policies over the years. In 2019, the Research Integrity Working Group was established by the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) and the Ministry of Education and Research (HTM). This group supports the implementation of existing principles and codes, contributing to the consolidation of a normative framework for research integrity in Estonia. Its primary objective is to propose a system for ethics committees and a broader framework for research integrity in the Estonian RDI system, addressing the OECD AI principle of human-centred values and fairness.
In the same year, the National AI Strategy 1.0 was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM). This strategy is a comprehensive plan outlining actions to advance AI adoption in both private and public sectors, enhance relevant skills and research and development (R&D), and develop a supportive legal environment. It is part of Estonia’s contribution to the European Union’s coordinated AI action plan. The strategy aligns with the OECD AI principles of inclusive growth, sustainable development, and providing an enabling policy environment for AI.
Also in 2019, Estonia’s AI Task Force was formed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM). Initially a collaboration between the Estonian Government and various private and public sector participants, the task force aims to lay the groundwork for AI adoption across sectors. This initiative aligns with the OECD AI principles of inclusive growth, human-centred values, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, and providing an enabling policy environment for AI.
In 2020, the Open-Source AI Components initiative was launched by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (MKM) and the State Information System (RIA). This initiative makes open-source AI components available for reuse by public and private sectors, promoting the reuse and further development of AI applications. It addresses the OECD AI principles of inclusive growth and fostering a digital ecosystem for AI. The same year, Estonia saw the introduction of Bürokratt, a government AI virtual assistant developed by MKM and RIA. This interoperable network of virtual assistants on public authority websites aims to improve the accessibility and user experience of digital public services, adhering to the OECD AI principle of inclusive growth and fostering a digital ecosystem for AI.
Also in 2020, the AI Use Cases in the Public Sector initiative was implemented by MKM. This initiative maintains a database of AI projects across the public sector, aiming to boost AI development, improve service quality, and enhance state efficiency. It aligns with the OECD AI principle of inclusive growth and fostering a digital ecosystem for AI. Additionally, Estonia implemented an AI-powered chatbot, SUVE, as part of its AI COVID-19 Response to provide information during the pandemic, thereby keeping emergency lines open and avoiding fake news. This initiative addressed the OECD AI principles of inclusive growth, robustness, security, and safety.
In 2021, Estonia’s Digital Agenda 2030 was introduced by MKM. This long-term vision and action plan aim to develop the Estonian economy, state, and society using digital technology. The agenda focuses on making public services seamless and developing an AI-powered government, addressing several OECD AI principles including inclusive growth, AI R&D, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, enabling policy environment for AI, and human capacity building.
In 2022, several new initiatives were launched. The AI Support Portfolio by MKM and RIA provides support services to public sector institutions to facilitate the adoption of trustworthy and human-centric AI. This initiative addresses the OECD AI principles of human-centred values, transparency, robustness, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, and human capacity building. The AI & Robotics Estonia initiative supports Estonian industrial companies in adopting AI and robotics solutions, aligning with the OECD AI principles of investing in AI R&D, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, and human capacity building.
Finally, the National AI Strategy 2.0 was introduced in 2022 as a continuation of Estonia’s previous AI strategy from 2019-2021. This strategy, led by MKM, HTM, and the Ministry of Justice (JuM), focuses on increasing AI use in the public sector, raising awareness, supporting AI-ready companies, and improving data findability and reusability. It addresses the OECD AI principles of inclusive growth, fostering a digital ecosystem for AI, enabling policy environment for AI, and human capacity building.
Through these initiatives, Estonia has established itself as a leader in AI adoption, focusing on inclusive growth, human-centred values, and fostering a robust digital ecosystem. The country’s commitment to developing AI policies and support mechanisms continues to drive innovation and integration across both public and private sectors.