Ülemiste City Economic Study

Objective

The objective of the study is to identify and monitor the volume of goods and services produced in Ülemiste City and the value added this generates; the main fields of activity of companies located in the campus; which sector of the economy has the greatest impact on the Estonian economy through the campus; and the main trends in economic activity taking place in Ülemiste City.

Benefits

As a result of the study, a dynamic management dashboard for Ülemiste City has been created, providing an overview of the main fields of activity and key economic indicators of the companies operating in the campus. The dashboard can be found here: https://ucuuringud.eek.ee/?page=uc.

Project Client: Ülemiste City

Project Implementers: The Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EUAS), AS Mainor Ülemiste, AS Technopolis Ülemiste, and LevelLab

Study Duration: ongoing

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the ProgeTiigri Program Activities

Background

The ProgeTiiger program was launched in 2012 in order to develop students’ digital competence and technological literacy and to understand the nature of technology, its application, and development opportunities. The program’s resources have supported the development of teachers’ digital competence, promoted networks of teachers and instructors in the field, and co-financed the acquisition of equipment necessary for teaching.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess how the ProgeTiigri program has contributed to the improvement of the quality and accessibility of technology education from 2018 to 2021. In addition, recommendations were provided for modifying program content activities and for follow-up actions.

Methodology

The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods (document analysis, surveys, focus group and individual interviews). The survey involved teachers, educational technologists, and educational institution leaders from Estonian general education schools. Personal interviews were conducted with employees of the Ministry of Education and Research, the Education and Youth Board, and the ProgeTiigri program managers. The focus group was conducted with representatives and experts from universities, as well as with educational leaders and/or teachers actively involved in the program.

Benefits

As a result of the study, feedback was provided on the activities of the ProgeTiigri program during the period 2018-2021, and an assessment was made of how purposeful the activities have been and what improvements have been made in the quality and accessibility of technology education. Additionally, recommendations were provided on what changes could be made to the content activities of the program and how to proceed with the program.

Project contracting institution: Education and Youth Board
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 01/2023 ‍– 05/2023

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Evaluation of Performance Indicators for the Estonia-Latvia Program

Background

The Estonia-Latvia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme (https://estlat.eu/en) involves the southern and western parts of Estonia and the northern and western parts of Latvia, with partners from both countries participating. The program supports cross-border cooperation in entrepreneurship, innovation, environment, and tourism, involving collaboration between businesses as well as residents of border areas.

Objective

In 2022, LevelLab and the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences Mainor conducted a study aimed at assessing the achievement of the Estonia-Latvia Programme’s result indicators – the progress of the program is regularly monitored. The study results revealed that the majority of the assessed result indicators exceeded the target level set for 2023. The greatest increase was in the interest and readiness for cross-border cooperation among new businesses, which increased by 15% compared to 2021. There was also a significant increase in the indicator of solidarity among residents of Valga and Valka.

Methodology

During the study, three online surveys and two street surveys were conducted on both the Estonian and Latvian sides. Through the online surveys, representatives of businesses and institutions were interviewed, while through the street surveys, residents of the region were interviewed. For all surveys, proportions of different respondent profiles were predefined in advance. This means that it was determined which region and which gender and age groups of people would be surveyed. The list of respondents for one survey was provided by the client, while for the others, a random sample was taken according to the criteria provided by the client. The questionnaires for all surveys were provided by the client, and the same survey has already been conducted in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2021.

Project contracting institution: State Support Services Center
Project implementers: LevelLab and the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences Mainor
Duration: 12/2022 ‍– 02/2023

Hansavest personnel, temporary workers survey

Background

Hansavest is a workforce services and training company founded in 2005. The company specializes in recruitment, training, and providing labor services for the manufacturing and logistics sectors. In addition to the Baltic countries, Hansavest also provides workforce services in Sweden and Finland. Workers mainly come from Estonia, Latvia, and Ukraine. The main sectors where workforce services are provided are wood, manufacturing, metal, and electronics industries.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the organization of temporary work, the preparation and ability of temporary workers to manage their work, and the satisfaction of Hansavest Grupp employees. It also assessed the living and working conditions of temporary workers, work productivity, the quality of work process organization, and the support services provided by Hansavest.

Methodolgy

The survey was carried out in the LevelLab online survey environment through four different questionnaires: client satisfaction, temporary worker satisfaction, satisfaction of workers in Finland, and satisfaction of workers in Estonia.

Benefits

Hansavest gained a clear overview of its cooperation with employees, clients, and temporary workers, enabling the company to make necessary changes to improve this cooperation.

Project client: Hansavest
Project implementer: LevelLab
Study duration: 11/2022 – 01/2023

Competency Model for Civil Service Middle Managers

Background

Competency-based management is a widely used practice in the public sector of many developed countries. Its objective is to support the achievement of organizational goals and enhance employee motivation and commitment through systematic and effective human resource management. One area where competency-based management is applied is employee development, which requires understanding employees’ training needs.

This need has become increasingly relevant year by year, as the exercise of public authority depends on society’s trust in public officials. In turn, this trust relies on officials’ professional competence, ethical conduct, and their ability to act in the public interest.

Competency-based management links human resource management with an organization’s strategic objectives. As job tasks and problem-solving become more complex, organizations need employees with the right skills and knowledge. Increasingly, both private companies and public sector institutions have begun to use competency models as one of the main tools of human resource management in order to identify the prerequisites for successful performance in a position and to assess employees’ development needs.
One tool that helps strengthen leadership capability is a competency model. The purpose of the model is to define and describe key competencies and to create a system for assessing them.

Objective

The aim of the study is to describe the role and concept of middle managers in the civil service, update the competency model for middle managers together with self-assessment questionnaires, and develop a new visual representation of the competency model.

Benefits

Updating the competency model for middle managers helps move towards more integrated public governance and harmonize leadership capability across the public sector. The model creates a cross-government framework for the recruitment, selection, assessment, and development of middle managers. The updated competency model supports the development of a shared leadership culture and improves the quality of leadership in the public sector.

Project clients: Minsitry of Finance and the State Shared Service Centre
Project implementer: LevelLab
Study duration: 04/2022 ‍– 12/2022

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Creating Future Scenarios for the Data Society

Background

In today’s digital world, the creation and processing of data play an important role in the economy, governance, and people’s everyday lives. Collected data is used both to improve processes, optimize activities, and support decision-making. The growing ability to use data enables society to automate an increasing number of activities through digitalization that previously required human intervention. Continuous use of data also increases the need to manage data. There is a growing need to establish rules and clear processes for how data is used, while at the same time preserving both privacy and the freedom to process data. The public sector has a significant role in shaping data sharing and governance systems. It is also important to understand the factors and trends that will influence data use in the future.

Objective

The aim of the study is to provide an overview of the data economy, data usage, and the trends influencing data policy in Estonia; to develop possible future scenarios for data governance based on these trends; and to identify key decision points and policy choices for policymakers to guide the future development of the data sector.

Benefits

The study helps increase the use of data in governance and supports the development of informed, forward-looking policies in the data sector.

Project clients: Government Office of Estonia and the Foresight Centre (ASK)
Project implementers: LevelLab and the Institute of Baltic Studies
Study duration: 04/2022 – 12/2022

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Festivals Study

Background

The aim of the study is to map visitors to festivals held in Estonia, their travel behaviour when attending festivals, their preferences and visiting habits, spending at the festival site, and their satisfaction with different aspects related to the organization of festivals.

Methodology

As part of the study, visitors aged 16 and over at 28 festivals held in Estonia in 2022 were surveyed. The questionnaire was available in Estonian, English, Finnish, and Russian and consisted of 21 questions.
The survey was conducted from April 25 to October 23. Festival visitors could complete the questionnaire independently via QR codes distributed at the festival sites or with the assistance of an interviewer.
A total of 3,650 people responded to the questionnaire. On average, 130 visitors per festival completed the survey.

Benefits

The study provides an overview of festival visitors’ expectations and evaluations, offering useful input for organizers when preparing new festivals.

Project client: Enterprise Estonia (EAS)
Project implementer: LevelLab
Study duration: 04/2022 – 12/2022

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Analysis of Local Government Social Protection Expenditure and Its Reporting

Objective

The aim of the analysis is to examine how the reporting of local governments’ social protection expenditure differs in public sector financial accounting and reporting, and to identify the reasons for these differences.
The study will develop proposals for classifying social protection expenditures and improving the chart of accounts methodology so that the state and local governments can obtain comparable data for relevant target groups as well as key services and benefits. It will also develop appropriate indicators for comparing and forecasting the volume of social protection expenditure in the future, which could be used in policymaking.

Background

According to §6 of the Local Government Organisation Act, local authorities are responsible for organizing social assistance and social services as well as elderly care within their municipality or city. An analysis of these expenditures helps plan social protection services and the resources required to provide them.
Analysis of the chart of accounts data has revealed a problem: the level of social protection expenditure per capita and the level of municipal contribution to social protection vary significantly between local governments. The existing methodology for allocating expenditures does not provide sufficient comparable information for forecasting across key target groups, social services, and benefits.
One possible reason for this is the differing practices and methodologies used by local governments in reporting social protection expenditure.
As a result of the analysis, appropriate indicators will be developed for comparing and forecasting the volume of social protection expenditure in the future, and proposals will be made for changes to the chart of accounts methodology.

Project client: Ministry of Social Affairs
Project implementers: LevelLab and Geomedia
Study duration: 10/2021 – 06/2022

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Estonian Management Field Study 2021

Background

Studies examining the field of management in Estonia have been commissioned by Enterprise Estonia at five-year intervals. Since the completion of the previous study in 2015, several developments have taken place in the economic and business environment, in companies’ overall capabilities and management capacity, and in managers’ preparation for leadership roles. In addition, the field itself has developed rapidly in recent years, with new approaches and trends emerging. Awareness of and consideration for these developments may significantly influence the future success of organizations.

Objective

The aim of the study is to identify the current state of the management field, the prevailing problems (including possible market failures) and shortcomings, and to develop proposals for increasing management capability, including with the support of the state.

Benefits

As a result of the study, we provide an assessment of the activities, scope, and quality of organizations operating in the field of management. The study identifies changes in the market and maps out key areas of action for increasing management awareness and capability in both the near and longer term. A self-diagnostic tool will also be developed to help managers assess the level of their strategic competencies, compare themselves with similar companies, and receive recommendations for possible follow-up actions.

Project client: Enterprise Estonia (EAS)
Project implementers: University of Tartu and LevelLab
Study duration: 08/2021 – 04/2022

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Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the ASTRA Research and Development Program

Background

The Institutional Development Programme for Research and Development Institutions and Universities (ASTRA) is one of the key measures alongside core funding and mobility support in implementing the Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation (RDI) Strategy “Knowledge-Based Estonia 2014-2020” as well as several other national strategies. The objective of the measure is to support structural changes in research and development institutions and universities, as well as the development of institutional responsibility areas and core activities. In total, 17 different universities and research and development institutions have received support from the ASTRA measure for the implementation of 36 projects. The total funding amount is 136 million euros.

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness, impact, and efficiency of the ASTRA measure, and to describe the lessons learned from its implementation.

Methodology

The study primarily employed qualitative methods such as analysis of documented information, interviews, and focus groups with representatives of stakeholders and project implementers.

Benefits

The results, conclusions, and recommendations from the evaluation of the ASTRA measure and the activities implemented within it help prepare new measures for the next structural fund period, including measures that assist Estonia (primarily the Ministry of Education and Research) in planning and supporting the institutional development of research institutions and universities.

Project contracting authorities: Ministry of Education and Research, Estonian Research Council
Project implementers: Baltic Studies Institute (lead partner) and LevelLab
Duration: 04/2021 ‍– 01/2022

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