Estonia and Saudi Arabia have signed several memorandums of understanding (MoU) this year to cooperate closely in the health technology sector. Cooperation possibilities are also available in the field of deep tech and ITS.

According to the former Estonian Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Tiit Riisalo, Estonia has experienced a significant increase in its exports to Saudi Arabia and the entire Persian Gulf region in recent years. Riisalo made this statement during his visit to the world’s largest technology conference, LEAP, in Saudi Arabia in March, where he led a business delegation.

“Estonia is a pioneer of digital governance in the world, and the whole world is waiting with interest to see what we will do next. The personal state takes us into a new era and makes the best use of new technologies for both the state and the citizen. With its experience as a digital country, Estonia has the opportunity to contribute to the development of modern governance in Saudi Arabia as well,” the minister said.

“Saudi Arabia’s goal is to become one of the world’s largest economies by 2030, and it is important for us that Estonian companies could play a part in this. The whole region is rapidly developing, and the Saudis’ interest is to gather the world’s best technologies in their country – and this is what Estonian companies can offer,“ said Riisalo.

The digital healthcare system needs a reform

This fact was confirmed by agreements signed between two countries during the conference Leap, in which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Republic of Estonia forged an alliance in the field of digital health technologies. Lean Business Services and the Estonian Health Economy Association signed a MoU, marking a significant stride toward a successful partnership.

This MoU lays the foundation for collaborative efforts to transform digital healthcare.

Key areas of focus include the development of integrated health data platforms, digitising healthcare pathways, and creating high-value-based care models incorporating digital therapeutics.

Another MoU was signed during the event. Amid Saudi Arabia’s significant healthcare reform, Estonian company Miltton CIO World (Miltton Events), recognised for its expertise in communication strategies, including digital, virtual, and hybrid solutions, has established a strategic partnership with Ajaz. This alliance, formalised through a MoU, is set to enhance digital healthcare advancements in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The collaboration gains additional strength from its association with the Estonian Health Economy Association, represented by Erki Mölder. This relationship opens the door for Estonian health-tech companies, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and fostering new partnerships to advance healthcare services in Saudi Arabia.

By leveraging Estonia’s profound expertise in health technology and combining it with the expansive market potential of KSA, we aim to create a synergy that benefits both countries, said Erki Mölder, founder of the Estonian Health Economy Association.

Autonomous driving technology holds immense potential in Saudi Arabia

“The aspirations outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and National Digitalization Strategy share many similarities with our own digital transformation journey in Estonia,” shared former Prime Minister of Estonia and currently a tech investor and entrepreneur Taavi Rõivas.

“This creates a unique opportunity for us to exchange best practices and learn from each other’s successes and challenges,” he added. By fostering collaboration in deep tech, two countries can also work together to achieve shared goals of a more digital and interconnected future.

For example Estonia has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development since legalising the technology in 2017. “This progressive approach has led to exciting innovations such as last-mile delivery robots and a thriving ecosystem dedicated to autonomous driving. Our leading companies are actively developing state-of-the-art autonomous driving technology, including 3D mapping solutions, which hold immense potential for implementation in Saudi Arabia,” explained Rõivas.

The beauty of autonomous transportation solutions lies in their adaptability, said Rõivas. While traditional deployment models might not be universally applicable, Saudi Arabia’s controlled environments like campuses, resorts, and special economic zones present ideal opportunities for implementing these technologies.

“Autonomous vehicles can function as efficient alternatives for short-distance travel or walking within these areas. Furthermore, our solutions can complement Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing public transport network by providing seamless last-mile connectivity, bridging the gap between public transport hubs and final destinations.”

FACTS

• Estonia is known across the globe for its digital-first government strategy. e-Estonia encompasses the digital society of Estonia, facilitating seamless interactions between its citizens and residents with the state through innovative ICT solutions.
• Under this initiative, the country has developed a range of e-services, including the e-Tax Board, e-Business, e-Banking, e-Ticket, e-School, University via the internet, the e-Governance Academy, Internet-voting (e-Voting), and various mobile applications. Aligned with Estonia´s Digital Agenda 2030, the nation aims to excel in digital government services globally, ensure widespread connectivity, and establish a secure and reliable cyberspace by 2030.
• Estonia has a thriving startup ecosystem. Estonia has more than 1500 startups and more unicorns per capita in Europe than any other country.

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