The Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap (2019-2023) is a tool for planning nationally important research infrastructures. It is a list that shows the current status of nationally important research infrastructures and which is taken as the basis for long-term strategic decisions (including the allocation of grants). The research infrastructures mentioned on the roadmap can be both physical objects, network structures, and memberships in international research infrastructures or research infrastructure organizations. The purpose of compiling the roadmap is to have a complete picture of the most important working and emerging research infrastructures for Estonia. Inclusion in the roadmap is a prerequisite for receiving support under the conditions set by the Regulation on Funding Nationally Important Research Infrastructures.
The roadmap is updated regularly (in a 5-year cycle) to take into account changing needs and opportunities. The roadmap is approved by the Government of the Republic. Compiled and updated by the Estonian Research Council, the roadmap serves as a foundation for long-term investment decisions, ensuring that Estonia's research facilities align with both national priorities and international standards.
The Roadmap includes RIs that develop e-infrastructures for the dissemination of research data. The Natural History Archives and Information Network (NATARC) develops the structure of repositories and provides services and value tools for digital natural history collections. The Estonian e-Repository and Conservation of Collections (E-varamu) aims to improve the capabilities of memory institutions in preserving and digitising research information, and to develop a search portal "eVaramu" for accessing scientific information.