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Paloma Krõõt Tupay is an Associate Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Tartu’s School of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences. She holds a Doctor’s Degree in Law from the University of Cologne, focusing on comparative constitutional analysis. Her career includes roles as Legal Adviser to the President of Estonia (2016–2018), Chair of the EU Council’s Working Party on Fundamental Rights (2017), and Legal Secretary at the Ministry of Justice (2014–2016). She is a member of the Management Board of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the Supervisory Council of the Estonian Human Rights Centre. Her research emphasizes constitutional law, human rights, EU law, and digital governance. Key interests include the intersection of technology and law, particularly in e-governance and AI’s impact on public administration. She leads projects like the development of a constitutional law textbook and a risk-prediction tool for social care support. Her work bridges legal theory with practical policy, addressing challenges in digital constitutionalism, data protection, and democratic governance. Publications span constitutional reviews, GDPR compliance, and Estonia’s digital governance model. Notable contributions include analyses of the Estonian Supreme Court’s dynamics and the impact of AI on fundamental rights. Awards include recognition for public engagement in constitutional issues (2022) and the University of Tartu’s Law Lecturer of the Year (2020). Her involvement in grants includes leading projects on public administration legal aspects and volunteering service reforms. She collaborates on international initiatives, such as the JUDICON-EU project analyzing judicial-legislative relations across Europe, and contributes to conferences on AI governance, human rights, and constitutional design.

• Constitutional Law
• Human Rights
• EU Law
• +5 more

Tiina Randma-Liiv is a Tenured Full Professor at Tallinn University of Technology's Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance. Her research examines public administration, crisis management, e-governance, and small states governance. Recent publications analyze hybrid governance models during crises, institutionalization of e-participation, and comparative governance in small states. Her work frequently addresses public sector reforms and fiscal consolidation strategies across European governments.

• Public Administration
• Crisis Management
• E-Governance
• +3 more

Maria Claudia Solarte Vasquez is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Law within the School of Business and Governance at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). She holds a Doctorate in Law from TalTech (2019), focusing on Smart Contracting for Proactive Governance of Digital Exchange. Her academic career includes roles as a Visiting Lecturer and Post-Doc researcher at institutions like Aalto University and CES University. Education & Professional Background: PhD in Law (2019), Tallinn University of Technology Master in International Legal Studies (1994–1995), Washington College of Law Bachelor in Law and Political Sciences (1989–1993), Pontifical Bolivarian University Exchange semester at Aalto University (2014) International Mediation Training (2002) Research Focus: Technology Governance, Proactive Law, Legal Innovation Management, Contract Theory, AI Regulation, ODR/ADR, and EU Legal Frameworks. She has contributed to over 30 publications and led/coordinated projects such as the EU-funded 'Digital Rights Awareness' (2022–2024) and 'Conflict Resolution with Equitative Algorithms' (2022–2024). Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator for EU-funded projects on AI regulation and digital rights Co-edited books on AI governance and legal innovation Member of Design Research Society and peer reviewer for journals like the European Journal of Innovation Management Teaching & Outreach: Designs courses on legal technology, dispute resolution, and international business law. Engaged in interdisciplinary initiatives like the LAITech Conference and workshops on cybersecurity and legal design.

• Technology Governance
• Proactive Law
• Legal Innovation Management
• +8 more

Kristiina Tõnnisson is a Lecturer in Public Management at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu. She has held leadership roles including Head of the Institute (2016–2018) and Director of EuroCollege (2014–2015). Her research focuses on public sector management, local governance, and New Public Management principles in transitional economies. She has extensive administrative experience in academic governance and international cooperation, including leading projects on good governance in Eastern Partnership countries. Tõnnisson holds a PhD from the University of Tartu and has taught courses such as 'Public Administration and Multi-Level Governance' and 'Project Management in the EU.' She has received multiple awards including the University of Tartu Medal (2024) and the Estonian Government's Citizen’s Day certificate (2017). Education: PhD in Public Administration (2006), University of Tartu MSc in Public Management (2000), New York University MA in Public Administration (1999), University of Tartu Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration (1997), University of Tartu Research Interests: Her work examines governance reforms in post-Soviet contexts, public sector marketing, and the implementation challenges of New Public Management principles in local governments. She has published extensively on regional policy, EU pre-accession strategies, and civic engagement mechanisms. Publications: Recent works include annual reports on Estonian regional policy (2020–2024) and studies on post-Soviet urban governance. Her 2006 doctoral thesis analyzed NPM applicability in Estonian local government. Awards & Recognition: University of Tartu Medal (2024) Citizen’s Day certificate of honour (2017) Merit Badge of the University of Tartu (2015) Advisory & Grants: Led teams in EU-funded projects like EU-PREACC (2013–2017) and served as an evaluator for the Estonian Research Council. Her grants include Volkswagen Foundation support (2002) and Muskie Fellowship (1999). Labs/Teams: Active in COST Action networks on local governance reforms and disaster bioethics. Member of the Johan Skytte Institute Board and the Faculty of Social Sciences Council.

• Political Science and Administration
• Public Sector Management
• New Public Management
• +4 more

Dan Heering is a cybersecurity researcher specializing in maritime applications at Tallinn University of Technology's Estonian Maritime Academy, where he currently serves as an Expert (2024-2025) following his position as Junior Research Fellow (2018-2024). His academic career is complemented by extensive industry experience in maritime administration, project management, and navigation. Heering completed his Master's Degree in 2017 with research focused on cybersecurity in shipping with reference to Estonian shipowners, and pursued doctoral studies (interrupted) on cyber risk management in smart port environments. His teaching activities at TalTech include developing and teaching courses on Introduction to Cybersecurity and Ship Automation and Digitalisation. His research interests center on maritime cybersecurity, ship digitalization, navigation risk management, and innovative educational approaches for the maritime sector. He has led significant research projects including the ERA Chair in Maritime Cyber Security (MariCybERA) with 2.5 million EUR funding from the European Commission, as well as multiple projects focused on maritime transport sector skills development and smart port technologies. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying cybersecurity principles to maritime contexts, with recent work examining cyber education for seafarers, simulation-based training environments, and sustainable development of maritime education technologies. His research bridges theoretical cybersecurity frameworks with practical maritime industry applications. Best abstract and presentation award at ICR 2019 conference Heering has supervised three Master's theses on topics including cyber education for maritime officers, smart port solutions, and remote-controlled robotics for ship cleaning in Estonian ports. His professional experience spans maritime administration, project management in international contexts including Kazakhstan, and practical navigation experience, providing him with comprehensive industry knowledge that informs his academic work.

• Cybersecurity in Maritime Sector
• Ship Automation and Digitalization
• Cyber Risk Management
• +3 more

Dr. Tarmo Kalvet is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Governance at Tallinn University of Technology. He is also the Research Director at Policy Lab OÜ and the Scientific Director of the Institute of Baltic Studies. His academic career includes roles as Senior Research Fellow at the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance and leadership in innovation policy research at PRAXIS. Dr. Kalvet holds a PhD in Technology Governance from Tallinn University of Technology (2009) and a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Tartu (2002). His research focuses on global value chains, AI applications in economics, innovation policy, and defense industry governance. He has led over 50 projects funded by the EU and Estonian government, including initiatives on circular economy, defense sector resilience, and cultural tourism. His recent work includes analyzing the impact of AI on economic systems, predicting trade flows using machine learning, and assessing risks in defense innovation procurement. He has published extensively in journals like Competitiveness Review and Journal of Baltic Studies , with a focus on small states' strategic challenges. Awards include the 2009 national student research prize for his PhD thesis. Dr. Kalvet advises EU policy bodies, chairs expert groups on global changes, and collaborates internationally. His work bridges theory and practice, addressing topics like public sector innovation, digital identity systems, and sustainability in tourism.

• Economics
• Political Science and Administration
• Computer Science
• +7 more

Gunnar Klaus Prause is a Professor at the Department of Business Administration, School of Business and Governance at Tallinn University of Technology (since 2023). He holds a 0.25 FTE position, reflecting his active engagement in research and academic leadership. Previously, he served as a Professor at Wismar Business School (since 1994) and held administrative roles including Vice-Rector of Research at Wismar University (2007–2010) and Vice-Dean of Research and International Relations at Wismar Business School (2005–2007). His academic career spans over three decades in business administration and economics. His research focuses on logistics, sustainability, digital transformation, and maritime supply chains. Specific interests include green energy applications (e.g., ammonia as marine fuel), smart city/port integration, blockchain for supply chain resilience, and circular economy models. He leads/coordinates projects such as the Centre of Excellence in Circular Economy for Strategic Mineral and Carbon Resources (2024–2030) and generative AI-driven ESG education curricula (2025–2027). Dr. Prause has secured over €7 million in EU and international grants, including projects on Baltic Sea region competitiveness, clean shipping platforms, and SME internationalization. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in logistics, energy, and policy. He has authored/co-authored 263 publications, emphasizing peer-reviewed articles and conference papers on topics like sustainable port operations, digital transformation challenges, and ammonia safety in maritime contexts. His research outputs frequently address interdisciplinary challenges at the intersection of technology, environment, and business strategy.

• Economics
• Business Management
• Logistics
• +3 more

Mike Franz Wahl is an Associate Professor of Strategic Management at Tallinn University of Technology's Faculty of Economics and Business, within the Institute of Business Administration. He holds a PhD in Business Administration from the same institution. His research focuses on corporate governance systems, business ownership dynamics, and strategic management, with a particular emphasis on aligning organizational values and governance structures. He has held visiting professor roles at Bucharest University of Economics Studies and Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University. His administrative roles include leading the Institute of Business Administration's organizational and management education programs. Education: PhD in Business Administration (2011, Tallinn University of Technology), MBA (2004), and earlier degrees in engineering and architecture. His academic service includes editorial roles for journals like the International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management and conference organizing roles such as Track Chair at EURAM Annual Conference. He has contributed to policy development, particularly in Baltic region mobility solutions. Research Interests: Corporate governance systems incorporating values, business ownership typology, strategic audit methodologies, sustainable education through serious games, and leadership in crisis contexts. He emphasizes practical applications of governance frameworks in diverse sectors like healthcare and academia. Labs/Projects: Active in EU-funded projects such as 'BalticSeaBioMed' and 'Escaping New Disinformation', focusing on governance and digital education. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world management challenges, advocating for precision in ownership strategies and ethical leadership.

• Strategic Management
• Corporate Governance
• Food Industry Management
• +3 more

Jari Kukkonen is the Head of Executive Education at Estonian Business School (EBS) since 2021 and Lead Lecturer of the EBS Executive MBA program since 2019. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in strategic management, change management, and innovation, serving clients ranging from multinational corporations to public institutions. His expertise includes Lean methodology, product/service development, and advising ministries across Estonia and internationally. He has evaluated quality management awards in Finland and Europe and trained Estonian evaluators in this field. Education: Master’s degree in Innovation and Change Management from York St John University. Publications include Läbimurre (2012), Enesehindamise käsiraamat (2012), and leadership of Äripäeva Tootmise Teabevara . His work bridges private and public sectors, focusing on operational efficiency and institutional improvement. Professional roles also include advising healthcare institutions and public bodies. He maintains active social presence through LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms.

• Strategic Management
• Change Management
• Innovation Management
• +4 more

Maarja Murumägi serves as Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Estonian Business School (EBS), holding a concurrent 0.1 FTE Lecturer role. She has been with EBS since 2005, progressing from Assistant (2005-2008) to full-time Lecturer (2008-2017) before assuming her current leadership role in 2017. Her academic background includes a Master's in Public Administration from Tallinn University of Technology and a Bachelor's in Public Administration from EBS. Her research focuses on public-private sector collaboration , local governance frameworks , and organizational change dynamics . Notable work includes analyzing Tallinn City Hall's urban planning networks and Finnish direct democracy mechanisms. She has supervised 5 master's theses since 2012, covering topics like organizational change in top management and digital hub strategies. Murumägi actively contributes to academic communities through roles like EGOS 2018 Local Organizing Committee Co-Chair and EURAM 2011 Conference Head. She maintains memberships in AOM, BAM, EURAM, and EGOS.

• Public Administration
• Organizational Change Management
• Urban Planning
• +3 more

Kaari Kiitsak-Prikk is Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Musicology, Music Pedagogy, and Cultural Management at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. With a Doctorate in Cultural Management and a Master’s in Music Pedagogy, she specializes in entrepreneurship education, organizational identity, and societal engagement in arts institutions. She leads international projects on technological literacy and inclusive wellbeing, while also serving as a reviewer for academic journals. Doctoral Degree: Managing Societal Interactions in Estonian Cultural Organizations Master’s Degree: Legal Status of Cultural Organizations in Estonia Her research focuses on entrepreneurial education in arts universities, mentorship models , sustainability in cultural policy, and technology integration for arts managers. Recent publications analyze mental health in cultural organizations, co-creation trends, and identity-image dynamics in joint ventures. She has supervised 16 master’s theses on topics like music artist branding, niche marketing, and improvisation’s role in classical music. Her scientific awards include ESF DoRA conference stipends (2013-2015). She contributes to projects such as Inclusive Wellbeing Through Arts and Technological Literacy Education , emphasizing societal impact and innovation.

• Cultural Management
• Entrepreneurial Education in Arts
• Organizational Behavior
• +3 more

Külliki Tafel-Viia is a Knowledge Transfer Expert at Tallinn University with 20+ years of experience in research, policy analysis, and cross-sector collaboration. She specializes in creative economy, social innovation, and knowledge communication. Current Head of Knowledge Management at Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications (2022–) Former Head of Knowledge Transfer at Tallinn University (2022–2022) Doctoral graduate in Creative Industries and Policy Change (2021) Research Focus: Her work examines policy intersections between creative industries and healthcare/education sectors, urban development strategies, and service design principles. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and systemic coordination in sectoral cooperation. Scientific Awards: 2024 Support Act of the Year (evidence-based policymaking) 2023 Tallinn University Gold Leaf #395 2022 AcademiaNet membership Multiple Jaan Poska Scholarships (2005–2008) 2003 Mente et Manu Medal Creative Outputs: She co-created and hosted monthly talk shows EXU Academy (2020–2023) and Strategy Academy (2023–2024), focusing on university-industry collaboration and future economic developments.

• Creative Economy
• Innovation Policy
• Service Design
• +6 more

Erkki Karo is a Tenured Full Professor and Director at the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance within the School of Business and Governance at Tallinn University of Technology. His academic career includes roles as Director (since 2017) and Tenured Associate Professor (2018–2023) before attaining his current rank in 2023. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (2011), "Governance of Innovation Policy in Catching-up Context: Theoretical Considerations and Case Studies of Central and Eastern European Economies" , Tallinn University of Technology. Master's Degree in Social Sciences (2005), Tartu University. Research Interests: Focuses on innovation policy, public administration, economic development, and governance in transitioning economies. Key themes include policy capacity, entrepreneurial state theory, technology transfer, and sustainable development. Research Trends: Recent work explores innovation governance in small nations, energy transitions, smart cities, and the role of bureaucracy in fostering innovation. His articles analyze global value chains, autonomous mobility, and EU bioeconomy policies. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly listed in the provided texts. Advising & Grants: Directed projects on innovation policy and governance. Advised his own PhD and master's studies, but no advisees listed as students. Labs/Teams: Leads the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance, a hub for policy research and innovation systems analysis.

• Political Science
• Economics
• Innovation Policy
• +3 more

Jaanus Müür is a Research Fellow at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) in the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance. He holds a PhD (2022) and Master’s degree (2017) from TalTech, focusing on innovation policy and governance. His research interests include place-based innovation strategies, smart specialization, autonomous transportation systems, and public sector innovation pilots. Education: PhD in Public Administration (2017–2022), MSc in Technology Governance (2013–2017), and BA in Public Administration (2010–2013), all from TalTech. He also attended the Intensive Summer School on Small States at the University of Iceland (2017). Research focuses on bridging policy frameworks and practical implementation, particularly in urban mobility (e.g., autonomous buses) and regional innovation strategies. Key projects include leading the CITYAM initiative for sustainable urban air mobility and analyzing innovation pilots in Estonia and Helsinki-Uusimaa. Notable awards include the Mzia Mikeladze PhD Award (2024) and TalTech’s School of Business and Governance Lecturer of the Year (2023). He has been involved in over 10 funded projects totaling €3M+, including EU Horizon 2020 and national grants. Supervision includes guiding PhD candidate Mari Anne Rosalie Rohtla. Active in academic publishing, with peer-reviewed articles in journals like Innovation and Journal of the Knowledge Economy . Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Just Transition Governance research group and collaborates with international partners in mobility and innovation studies.

• Innovation Policy
• Public Sector Innovation
• Smart Specialization Strategies
• +4 more

Marina Järvis is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Business Administration , Tallinn University of Technology , with a 1.00 FTE appointment since 2023. She previously held roles as Associate Professor (2020-2023), Senior Lecturer (2014-2019), and Lecturer (2010-2014) at the same institution. She also serves as Visiting Professor at Riga Technical University (2024–) and University of Latvia (2024–). Education: PhD in Business Administration (2013), Tallinn University of Technology M.Phil in Health Science (Occupational Health and Safety) (2001), University of Bergen Diploma in Food Processing Engineering (1998), Tallinn University of Technology Research Interests span risk/safety management, digital transformation, organizational culture, psychosocial risks, and innovative education. Her recent work examines green ammonia in ports, four-day workweek sustainability, AI ethics, and participatory ergonomics. She integrates occupational health with business economics. Scientific Contributions include 15+ recent publications on topics like smart city logistics, psychosocial risk frameworks, and digitalization in safety management. She leads research on domestic violence prevention in workplaces through the President Kaljulaid Foundation collaboration. Awards include Best Lecturer (2022), Lecturer of the Year (2019), and multiple student-chosen recognitions (2017-2018). She contributes to EU-OSHA projects and serves on editorial boards of journals like Business Ethics and Leadership .

• Risk Management
• Digital Technologies
• Knowledge Management
• +8 more