Estonian Economic Development Knowledge Graph Project Secures Funding from MKM

The project aims to create a linked dataset combining Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) content data, the National Library of Estonia's digital materials, and economic data from Statistics Estonia and Eurostat. By leveraging machine learning, an economic knowledge graph will be developed from media content data. This graph will provide a comprehensive and systematic view of Estonia's economic and technological development over time, enabling the study of how economic topics are portrayed in the media and their role in shaping the national innovation system.

The project focuses on three main questions:

1. What technical and legal solutions are needed to create and manage linked datasets that connect the databases of different institutions?
2. What role does economic and technology journalism play in the national innovation system?
3. How can the dynamics of economic development be modeled based on media content data?

The resulting knowledge graph is expected to offer new insights into Estonia's economic and technological development by highlighting key connections and trends.

In addition to its practical contribution to the development of Estonia's data economy, the project also holds significant scientific value. Once completed, this extensive knowledge graph will enable the study of various trends in the evolution of internal relationships within Estonian society and economy. Furthermore, the knowledge graph will provide a foundation for training generative AI models that incorporate Estonia's cultural and economic context, thereby improving the accuracy and relevance of machine learning systems.

The project is led by BFM Professor Indrek Ibrus and researcher Andres Kõnno. It involves researchers from three institutes at Tallinn University, including BFM and the School of Digital Technologies (DTI), and collaborates with researchers from the Department of Business Administration at Tallinn University of Technology. The project is set to launch in January 2025 and will span two years.

The MKM research and development grant program aims to enhance knowledge and capacity in the ministry's three main focus areas: smart economy, digital economy, and responsible economy. The program supports research-based solutions to address development challenges and strengthen evidence-based policymaking in these fields. It emphasizes solutions that improve labor productivity, increase corporate R&D spending, advance digitalization, and support the green transition. The Tallinn University team's project aligns with these objectives, offering innovative ways to analyze and guide Estonia's economic and technological progress through media content analysis.