Entwicklungslinien der estnischen Industrie

Abstract

The problems related to industry are topical because there is no real industrial policy in Estonia today. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the stages of development of Estonian industry in different periods (…–1858, ……, 2010–…). Estonian industry has been predominantly concentrated to Tallinn and its immediate vicinity and to other cities and towns of North Estonia, to a lesser extent also to other larger Estonian cities and county centres and their immediate vicinity. Disposition of industry in Estonia has been predominantly related to appropriate geographical conditions and existence of local natural resources and raw materials, traditions and experience but has also depended on decisions on economic policy in different periods, both on the national and local government levels. After regaining of independence there have been no particular fundamental positive changes in regional industrial development in Estonia, we can rather even talk about regression instead for some places. These are, however, necessary in order to ensure jobs to people in all inhabited regions, above all in rural areas. It would also contribute to a balanced regional development in Estonia.