9 May 2024, Noorus Spa hotell

The future is here!
Narva-Jõesuu
Business Conference 2024
The Narva-Jõesuu Business Conference 2024 "The Future is Here" took place on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Noorus SPA Hotel Conference Centre. In its third year, the business conference focused on the state's strategic choices and longer-term perspectives in the fields of energy and transport to ensure sustainable development nationwide.

The Narva-Jõesuu Business Conference was designed for all entrepreneurs operating in the region, local government representatives, and decision-makers. By collaborating and discussing key topics within a shared information space, participants were able to maintain focus on opportunities and overcome challenges together.
The conference addressed geopolitical challenges and the three potential development pathways presented at the business conference a couple of years ago: energy, tourism, and the defence industry. Participants discussed whether these still held true today. To speak about opportunities for defence investments, entrepreneurs were invited who saw real potential in this sector and had ideas to implement through collaboration.
The event also featured debates on artificial intelligence, which has been widely discussed everywhere lately. Speakers explored whether this is indeed the new normal, how it is already being used today, and what perspectives lie ahead. The themes of the green transition, sustainability, and the just transition were also on the agenda — industry experts provided an overview of the achievements made and future plans.
PROGRAMME
Thursday, 9 May 2024
  • 9:30
    Registration and morning coffee
  • 10:00
    Opening remarks
    Maarika Honkonen, Conference Moderator
  • 10:05
    Welcome address
    Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia
  • 10:15
    Current state and new opportunities in Narva-Jõesuu
    Maksim Iljin, Mayor of Narva-Jõesuu
  • 10:35
    The role of the Just Transition Fund's business support measures in shaping the future economy of the county
    Jaanus Purga, Representative of the Government of the Republic in Ida-Viru County
  • 11:45
    Opportunities for Estonian companies in maritime export markets
    Jaak Viilipus, Ministry of Climate
  • 11:45
    Values, trust, communication. Welcoming investors and tourists.
    Valdar Liive, Finnish-Estonian expert, HHJ-certified board member*
  • 12:15
    The impact of regional aviation on regional development
    Ken Koort, Aviation Expert
  • 12:45
    LUNCH
  • 13:45
    Opportunities for utilizing quarries and industrial areas
    Hardi Murula, Project Expert at the Association of Local Governments of Ida-Viru County, Board Member of Aidu Watersport Centre
  • 14:00
    Creative economy as a driver for regional development
    Piia Tamm, Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre, Coordinator of the Viru Film Fund
  • 14:15
    Opportunities and challenges of the circular economy in Ida-Viru County
    Alar Saluste, Project Manager of Ragn-Sells OSA
  • 14:30
    PANEL DISCUSSION: Just Transition Fund — opportunities vs reality
    • Hardi Murula, Project Expert at the Association of Local Governments of Ida-Viru County, Board Member of Aidu Watersport Centre
    • Piia Tamm, Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre, Coordinator of the Viru Film Fund
    • Alar Saluste, Project Manager of Ragn-Sells OSA
  • 15:00
    How artificial intelligence is changing the business world around us
    Lauri Antalainen, Digiwise, Business Development Expert
  • 15:45
    "Baltic Ghost Wing Academy" — Ida-Virumaa as an ideal location for a unique international drone training and certification center
    James Acuna, Frontier Vectors, CEO
  • 16:45
    Summary and closing remarks
The conference is moderated by Maarika Honkonen

The conference will be held in Estonian and English, with simultaneous interpretation into Russian.

Project No. RE.2.01.24-0890 "Project to increase the active deployment of the Just Transition Fund's business support measures" is financed by the funds of the measure "Support measure for the implementation of county development strategies" and from the budgets of the project partners.
Media coverage
The Narva-Jõesuu Business Conference will take place at the Noorus SPA Hotel, a venue that perfectly combines business and leisure. Following an insightful day of conferences, attendees will have the opportunity to unwind in the spa centre and enjoy the tranquil resort environment.