Made in Estonia

Walter Zapp was born on 4th September 1905 in Riga. In the 1920s, when he was already living in Estonia, Walter Zapp became fascinated with the idea of developing a small precision camera that would produce pictures with no lesser quality than the considerably bigger cameras. A decade later, in 1936 the first Minox camera prototype was ready. Unfortunately, no producer in Estonia was interested in his invention, and thus the series manufacture was launched in Riga. Walter Zapp later wrote the following about the birth of Minox: " It is by far not enough to just have an idea, because its realisation takes a whole set of favourable conditions to be provided by the environment and the contemporaries. I am much indebted to Estonia for these favourable conditions. " Institute of Baltic Studies (IBS) is an independent non-profi t research and development centre that aims to assist the development of public policy in the Baltic Sea area by providing high-quality socioeconomic analysis. PRAXIS Center for Policy Studies is an independent non-profi t think tank that aims to contribute to better public policy making process and to enhance general participation in public debate. PRAXIS offers innovative and high-quality analysis, studies and enhanced public participation to help identify and tackle key problems in the society. The authors extend their special gratitude to Carlota Pérez who found the opportunity to conduct a series of inspiring seminars in Tallinn.