Study on Digital Accessibility and the Implementation of the EAA in Estonia

Background

The study provides an overview of the current situation, international best practices, and proposes solutions to ensure that public sector websites and digital services are understandable and usable in Estonian for target groups with linguistic special needs. In addition, the study analyses how language technology can contribute to improving the comprehensibility and accessibility of the Estonian language, identifies existing solutions and resources available in Estonia, and examines areas where market barriers exist and where state support may be needed to overcome them.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) in Estonia, with a particular focus on the accessibility of Estonian-language public information and digital services for people with linguistic special needs.

Methodolgy

The study employed qualitative research methods, including document analysis and qualitative research with target groups. The purpose of the document analysis was to describe the framework for the implementation of the EAA and to conduct a comparative analysis of selected reference countries. The qualitative study involved three main target groups: (1) individuals who experience difficulties with reading, writing, or understanding complex texts; (2) recent immigrants; and (3) individuals with hearing and/or visual impairments. The aim was to capture and describe real-life user experiences, for which semi-structured interviews and task-based usability testing were conducted.

Project Client: Institute of the Estonian Language
Project Implementer: Viilup Uuringud OÜ and LevelLab
Study Duration: 12/2025–02/2026

Comparative Analysis of the Governance and Organisation of the Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad (EKKAV) Programme

Background

The Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad (EKKAV) is a state programme that supports the continuous teaching of the Estonian language and culture at universities outside Estonia, along with related support activities. The programme aims to provide high-quality, modern and sustainable education at internationally recognised higher education institutions and memory institutions important to Estonia. The programme’s results framework envisages growth in both the number of learners and the volume of courses: by 2027, the target is 1,500 learners, more than 30 higher education institutions included in the network, over 200 supported courses, and more than 35 scholarship holders arriving in Estonia annually.

Objective

The objective of the analysis is to map and compare the operational and governance model of the EKKAV programme (2018–2027) with similar programmes in other small countries, focusing in particular on the structure of strategic governance and the distribution of roles and responsibilities between the programme funder, the governing body and the implementing organisation. The aim is to obtain an overview of practical governance practices and, based on this, to formulate clear recommendations and directions for improving the management and organisation of the EKKAV programme.

Methodolgy

The study uses qualitative methods, including document analysis and semi-structured individual interviews. Methodological triangulation increases the reliability of the analysis by enabling a comparison between the organisational and governance logic described in the documents and the solutions implemented in practice.

Benefits

The study focused on the international comparison of the EKKAV programme’s governance and operational model and on mapping good management practices. As a result, recommendations were developed to enhance the transparency of programme governance, reduce case‑by‑case decision‑making, strengthen cooperation with partner universities, and ensure the cost‑effective interplay of programme measures.

Project Client: Education and Youth Board
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 11/2025–01/2026

Spatial Feasibility and Economic Impact Analysis of High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Centres

Background

Estonia aims to develop high-performance computing (HPC), data centre, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in order to ensure digital sovereignty, support the green transition, and enhance international competitiveness. The planning of such infrastructure requires a comprehensive understanding of potential locations and the factors affecting their suitability, including energy supply and network connectivity, cooling and water supply, environmental and spatial planning conditions, and logistical accessibility.

Objective

The objective of the study was to prepare a management-level overview of the preconditions for the development of HPC, data centre, and AI infrastructure in Estonia, including a strategic location and infrastructure analysis as well as an indicative assessment of economic impact.

Methodolgy

The spatial analysis applied the pairwise comparison method. The weights of the criteria were determined based on the principles of pairwise comparison, applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework.

The economic impact assessment was conducted as a desk-based study, drawing on existing sources such as statistical data, academic literature, previous studies, policy documents, and international strategies. The main components of the analysis included preparatory activities, comparative analysis, and Estonia-specific scenarios.

Benefits

The report provides an overview of the spatial suitability of large-scale computing capacity and data processing infrastructure planned in Estonia, covering both data centres and high-performance computing solutions. The analysis serves as a basis for further detailed studies and informed planning decisions.

 

Project Client: Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs Project Implementer: Skepast&Puhkim OÜ ja LevelLab Study Duration: 11/2025–01/2026