Institute of Baltic Studies (IBS), Tartu, Estonia
Founded in 1996, the Institute of Baltic Studies (IBS) is an independent non-profit research and development centre established in Tartu, originally with the focus to promote the new opportunities offered by information and communication technologies. Broadening its focus since then, IBS now develops policy advice beyond this field with the objective to contribute to the increase of knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Estonia in particular and Baltic Sea region in general. IBS main fields of competence include science, technology and innovation policy, industrial and economic policy, information society, foresight, regional development, and cross-cultural communication. Therefore, IBS plays an important role in the development of the Tartu and South Estonia region to harness the potential from its location ("25 million consumers within 500 km reach) and knowledge and RTDI support infrastructure.