In the coming years, Estonia is set to welcome its largest generation of students in recent history into higher education institutions. Aune Valk argues that this presents a rare yet time-sensitive opportunity to make critical decisions that could either mitigate or exacerbate the existing shortage of highly specialized experts in the country. The choices made during this period could have long-lasting effects on workforce availability and skillsets in Estonia.

The debate surrounding the future of higher education began a year ago at the Rectors' Council Round Table, focusing on 'The Goals for the Next Quarter-Century in Higher Education and the Role of Universities'. This discourse has particularly centered on the first level of higher education, addressing essential topics such as the balance between academic and vocational training, associated costs, and enrollment numbers. Central to the discussion was the assertion by academic Jaak Aaviksoo that academic higher education has been inflated, which resonates with a clause in the government coalition agreement to increase the proportion of applied higher education to 40% in the first level of higher education.

As Estonia prepares for this demographic shift in education, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in comprehensive discussions that consider various vertical perspectives on how higher education can adapt to current and future economic demands. By addressing these factors holistically, Estonia can ideally position itself to not only address the immediate challenges but also to lay the groundwork for a more robust and responsive education system that meets the needs of its society and economy.