Aivar Pere

Aivar Pere is a Lecturer of Entrepreneurship at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Economics and Business Administration since July 2023 (working at 0.80 FTE). He has been affiliated with the University of Tartu since 2007 in various roles related to entrepreneurship development, including as Entrepreneurship Adviser, Assistant of Entrepreneurship, and Manager.

His educational background includes:

• Mechanical Engineering degree from the Estonian Agricultural Academy (1980-1985)
• Master's studies on "Clusters as a tools for economic development" at the University of Tartu (2005-2010)
• Additional qualifications including Marie Curie Host Fellowship internship and WIPO technology transfer training

Pere's research interests focus on entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and business development, with particular emphasis on economic clusters. His work bridges academic research with practical business applications, especially in the context of university spin-offs and technology commercialization. He has developed entrepreneurship education programs that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical business skills across multiple institutions including the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on practical applications of entrepreneurship theory, technology commercialization strategies, and innovative educational approaches. The articles show progression from foundational work on university-industry collaboration to more specialized topics in creative economy and youth entrepreneurship education.

His scientific contributions include conference papers on technology transfer mechanisms, creative economy models, and innovative entrepreneurship education methods. These publications reflect his practical approach to connecting academic research with real-world business applications.

As an administrator, he has led significant projects including the Spinno 2010 and Spinno Plus initiatives focused on developing entrepreneurial mindset among university members. Since 2011, he has provided consultancy services for launching and developing numerous University of Tartu spin-off companies across various sectors including biotechnology, IT, and environmental sciences.

His work demonstrates a strong commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and practical business applications, fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovation and economic development in Estonia.