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To evaluate the science and technology (S&T) development framework within Estonia, a small transition country, and its biotechnology sector.

In the general overview the main concepts, actors and environment of S&T system in the triple helix context are analyzed. The empirical study explores the general research and development (R&D) environment of Estonia and particularly the biotechnology sector by mapping the actors, strategy of companies (all small and medium‐sized enterprises – SMEs), innovation processes and related expenditures of the public sector and private businesses.

The study results indicate the ratio of basic and applied research, and product/service development in the gross R&D funding structure in Estonia to be 3:3:4; in the biotechnology sector this ratio is 11:5:1. The structure of research expenditure in the public sector mostly reflects the success of Estonian biosciences rather than the success of biotech as a business sector.

Ways for improving the S&T system are suggested.

Mapping the actors, and measurement of the structure of the R&D expenses in the Estonian biotech sector and in SMEs in particular.