The Ministry of Education and Research wants to discuss the distribution of operational support with universities. Deputy Chancellor Renno Veinthal says that operational support should be without restrictive labels on its use. He wants universities to be able to use the money freely.
Earlier this week, Rector of Tallinn University Tõnu Viik wrote that the state plans to cut funding for universities. This may limit the freedom of universities. Former Minister of Education Liina Kersna also criticized the state's plan. She said that universities already receive targeted funding for state objectives.
Veinthal said that universities have the right to their concerns. He noted that the state budget situation has changed and funding agreements need adjustments. He emphasized that the state wants to increase higher education funding but must also find money for additional tasks.
The Council of Rectors said that they need funding stability. They believe that the state's plan to make five percent of the operational support volume a separate negotiation object is not legally correct. The Council said that, according to the funding agreement, operational support should increase by 15 percent, not for new obligations.
Veinthal said that university revenues come from multiple sources, making planning difficult. He stressed that higher education operational support is free money that universities can use themselves. However, five percent of the support is for separate administrative agreements.
Veinthal said that the ministry does not see a conflict with the law. He explained that operational support consists of a base part and a performance-based part. Targeted funding is additional money for state objectives. He said that the ministry wants to give money to universities without restrictions.
Veinthal welcomed the universities' discussion on societal expectations. He said that autonomy is very important, but universities should also respond to public interest. He hopes that universities and the state can work better together.