Social and Economic Impact Assessments

Background

Social and Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) provides a comprehensive overview of how projects and initiatives affect different groups and communities in both the short and long term. SEIA allows for the evaluation of both positive and negative impacts, ranging from direct economic benefits to social effects. It offers reassurance that decisions are based on thorough and evidence-based analysis, thereby enabling the planning and implementation of sustainable and responsible projects and initiatives.

Objective

The objective of the assessment is to obtain a comprehensive overview of the economic and social contribution of an event at both the national level in Estonia and the regional level of the event location, as well as to assess the event’s reputation.

Methodolgy

To conduct the assessment, surveys are carried out either in an online environment and/or through face-to-face interviews during the event. In addition, document analysis is conducted based on materials provided by the client and information available from public sources.

Benefits

Following a socio-economic impact assessment, the economic and social impact of an event can be evaluated, enabling event organisers to make more accurate forecasts in the future. In addition, the assessment helps the state to better understand the economic and social benefits of the event and to support its role in regional development.

Compleated Assessments:

  • IBU Summer Biathlon World Championships 2024 (Client: Estonian Biathlon Federation)
  • ERC Delfi Rally Estonia 2024 (Client: Estonian Autosport Union)
  • World Championships in Group Gymnastics 2024 (Client: Estonian Gymnastics Federation)
  • IBU Cup 7 and 8 2025 (Client: Estonian Biathlon Federation)
  • European Disc Golf Festival 2025 (Client: Team Discgolf Estonia NGO)
  • European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics 2025 (Client: Estonian Gymnastics Federation)
  • Paide Rally 2025 (Client: BTR Racing NGO)
  • European Pool Championships 2025 (Client: Kalevi Piljardikool NGO)
  • WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2025 (Client: Estonian Autosport Events NGO)
  • Tallinn International Horse Show 2025 (Client: Estonian Equestrian Federation)
  • Tartu Marathon 2025 (Client: Club Tartu Maraton NGO)
  • 44th Tartu Cycling Race (Client: Club Tartu Maraton NGO)
  • Tour of Estonia 2025 (Client: Club Tartu Maraton NGO)
  • Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2025 (Client: Estonian Traditional Music Centre NGO)
  • Muhu Väin Regatta 2025 (Client: Kalev Yacht Club NGO)
  • ORC Worlds 2025 (Client: Kalev Yacht Club NGO)
  • Tartu Marathon 2026 (Client: Club Tartu Maraton NGO)
  • BMW IBU World Cup 2026 (Client: Estonian Biathlon Federation)
  • Tartu Forest Marathon 2026 (Client: Club Tartu Maraton NGO)

Project Implementer: LevelLab

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

Analysis and Development Scenarios of the Educational Network of Märjamaa Municipality

Background

The study provides a comprehensive overview of the educational network of Märjamaa Municipality, analysing schools, kindergartens, the hobby school and the youth centre in terms of service quality, accessibility, staffing, facilities and financial sustainability. It compares local developments with regional and national trends and includes a population forecast up to 2050 to assess future educational needs and develop possible educational network development scenarios.

Objective

The objective of the study is to provide Märjamaa Municipality with data-driven input for the development of its educational network by offering an overview of the current situation and potential future directions, and by supporting informed decision-making aimed at improving the quality of educational services, optimising the educational network, and ensuring the efficient use of municipal resources.

Methodolgy

The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods, including document analysis, surveys, focus group interviews and visits to educational institutions.

Benefits

The study provides Märjamaa Municipality with a clear and evidence-based foundation for shaping the future of its educational network. It supports a better understanding of how educational institutions operate and of residents’ expectations, enables the forecasting of future demand for kindergarten and school places up to 2050, and informs well-grounded decisions regarding investments, buildings, staffing, and service provision in order to ensure high-quality and sustainable education across all areas of the municipality.

Project Client: Märjamaa Municipal Goverment
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 09/2024–03/2025

Prevention program “Puhas Tulevik” effectiveness study

Background

Since 2019, the number of offenses committed by minors in Estonia has been on a declining trend, but the number of drug-related crimes has increased. In order to more effectively change the behavior of minors, a multifaceted approach has been implemented, preferring means of influence over punishments and implementing social programs. Among these is the prevention program “Puhas Tulevik” aimed at reducing drug use and promoting the social and psychological well-being of young people. However, considering the complexity of prevention work and the inadequacy or harmfulness of several measures, it is important to analyze the causes of delinquency, develop and implement evidence-based measures to prevent drug use among youth, and assess the impact and evidence-based nature of the measures already in place.

Objective

The aim of the study is to analyze the evidence-based nature and the current implementation of the prevention program “Puhas Tulevik”, including based on a comparative mapping of local municipalities.

Methodology

For evaluating the effectiveness of the prevention program “Puhas Tulevik,” various methods are employed. Document analysis is used to gather preliminary information and define the theoretical framework.  A survey will be conducted among child protection specialists and local police officers in municipalities implementing the prevention program to map activities and obtain their assessment among program implementers. An analysis of program completers and dropouts will also be conducted. Semi-structured in-depth interviews will be conducted with representatives from four target groups: participants in the prevention program, their parents, local police officers, and municipality officials. The aim is to obtain detailed input to assess the effectiveness of the program  and identify various factors that influence its effectiveness. In the nationwide mapping of the program, a logic intervention analysis is conducted in different municipalities. Additionally, a validation seminar is conducted to present the research findings, gather initial feedback, and validate the conclusions and recommendations of the study.

Benefits

During the study, the aim is to assess whether the activities implemented within the program support the achievement of objectives in the best possible way, and to identify the main challenges in implementing the program. As a result of the study, practical recommendations for further development of the program will be presented, along with suggestions for evaluating the effectiveness of the program in the future.  

Project ordering institution: Police and Border Guard Board
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 11/2023 ‍–09/2024

Feedback from Visitors of Tartu 2024 Events

Background

The Tartu 2024 Foundation aimed to gather visitor feedback on events held as part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 program to assess their quality and impact.

Objective

The aim of the study was to collect  visitor feedback on events included in the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 program.

Methodology

To conduct the study, a survey was carried out among visitors (including international visitors) attending events within the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 program. A total of 2,148 questionnaires were collected from 27 different events held across Southern Estonia. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews.

Benefits

The survey provides valuable insights into the experiences of visitors to the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 events. The results help improve the organization of future cultural events in Southern Estonia and enhance their quality and attractiveness for both local residents and tourists.

Project contracting institution: Tartu 2024 Foundation
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 04/24-12/24

Analysis of Opportunities for Creating a Joint Digital Archive for Government Institutions 

Background

Since 2023, the State Shared Service Centre has been providing document and archive management services to government institutions and is developing a new document management system. The first phase of the system will be completed in 2026, with archiving functions to be added by 2027. To ensure the long-term and secure preservation of digital documents, the creation of a joint digital archive for all government institutions is under consideration. 

Objective

The aim of the analysis was to gather and interpret data on the need to preserve long-term information from government institutions using the services of the State Shared Service Centre, with a view to storing it in a unified digital archive for public sector institutions. 

Methodology

The analysis was carried out primarily using qualitative research methods. A total of 14 questionnaire-based interviews were conducted with representatives of the target group institutions, along with 6 expert interviews. In addition, a document analysis was performed to provide an overview of the situation in Estonia as well as relevant international practices. 

Benefits

The analysis helps determine whether and what kind of solution should be used for establishing a joint digital archive. In addition, it enables the assessment of cost components associated with implementing different solutions. 

Project contracting institution: State Shared Service Centre 

Implementing Partner: LevelLab 

Duration: 11/24-12/24 

View the final report

Analysis of the Education Network in Viru-Nigula Municipality

Background

Viru-Nigula Municipality needed input to prepare its education strategy for the years 2025–2029. 

Objective

The objective of the analysis was to provide an overview of the current state of the education network and institutions, and to offer proposals and solutions for potential changes and reorganisations, considering educational policy trends and agreements, long-term service demand forecasts (including demographic projections), and the municipality’s financial capacity. 

Methodology

The analysis was carried out through a document review based on materials provided by the client and information available from public sources. In addition, site visits were conducted to the municipality’s educational institutions, and focus group interviews were held with school leaders and municipal specialists. 

Benefits

Following the analysis, it is possible to assess which development or restructuring measures are needed in educational institutions from the perspective of the education network as a whole, taking into account accessibility, quality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. 

Project contracting institution: Viru-Nigula Municipality
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 02/2024 – 06/2024

The startup ecosystem of Ida-Viru: looking back and forward

Background

Startup Estonia implemented a three-year pilot program in Ida-Viru County aimed at creating a favorable environment for the development of startups in the region. The program involved 23 organizations and attracted nearly 21,000 participants. Significant interest and the registration of 14 new startups indicate the region’s potential. The follow-up project for the years 2022-2025 focuses on sustaining the entrepreneurial environment in Ida-Virumaa, aiming to create more new startups and promote collaboration with the creative industries sector.

Objective

The aim of the study is to gather necessary input regarding the current state and challenges of the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem, which could be used for planning future ecosystem development activities. Evaluation of the impact and quality of the project activities since 2019.

Methodology

The work will involve using multiple data collection and analysis methods. Document analysis will help assess the impact and quality of the previous pilot project, providing input for evaluating the current status and future development opportunities of the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem. Surveys will assess the awareness and readiness of Ida-Viru residents for entrepreneurship, and analyze the views of participants in events organized by startup support organizations on the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem. Focus group interviews will be conducted with providers of all types of services (such as incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces, and event/conference organizers) as well as representatives of startups operating in various sectors.

Benefits

The results of the study will help to understand the current situation and challenges in the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem and provide input for planning and improving future development activities and projects.

Project contracting authority: Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration:10/2023 ‍– 03/2024

Developing Feedback Surveys for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences

Background

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences needs to update its principles and procedures for collecting and considering feedback; the current process does not support the goal of improving the quality of education as desired. There are too many feedback surveys, they are conducted in different environments, and the analysis of the results is not consistent or evidence-based.

Objective

The goal is to develop a comprehensive feedback system and update the feedback surveys aimed at learners. The results of the work serve as the basis for the development and implementation of a new feedback collection and evaluation procedure for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Methodology

To develop the solution, a business analysis will be conducted, including interviews. Subsequently, prototypes of questionnaires will be developed, followed by the methodology for surveys, including a process description, research calendar, analysis methodology, technical implementation of data processing, and visualization solution.

Benefits

The developed solution supports the goal of improving the quality of education, being part of a broader internal and external assessment system. It will be web-based (secure and user-friendly), allowing clear visualization of results and their dissemination to different target groups. Participation in surveys will be limited to students of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Project contracting institution: Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 12/2023 ‍– 03/2024

Analysis of the Process of Reorganization of Ministries

Background

The coalition agreement signed in April 2023 carried out extensive reorganization of ministries, affecting a total of five ministries and their subordinate institutions. The aim was to better align the thematic areas of ministries with government priorities and to increase coherence between different policy domains. While the changes have not yet come into effect from the perspective of the state budget, most of the practical steps have been taken. As a result of the process, it has become clear that implementing changes in some areas was more challenging. Therefore, it is important to analyze the lessons learned from this process and how to implement such large-scale changes more efficiently in the future while emphasizing openness, transparency, and knowledge-based decision-making.

Objective

The aim of the study was to analyze the process of reorganization of ministries that took place in 2023 and to highlight its lessons learned.

Methodology

During the study, individual interviews, focus group interviews, and a questionnaire survey were conducted. Interviews   were conducted with the chancellors and deputy chancellors of related ministries, as well as with chancellors and deputy chancellors who were required to leave their positions as a result of the reorganization. Also with the heads of agencies within the ministries’ areas of governance. Seven focus group interviews were conducted, addressing topics according to the affected areas of reorganization, and one focus group interview was conducted with various government agencies and departments that centrally supported the reorganization process. The aim of the survey was to identify the challenges related to the reorganization, officials’ opinions on opportunities to improve the process and prevent future obstacles, and to explore the impact of the reorganization on daily operations, inter-ministerial cooperation, and resulting changes.

Benefits

The study helped identify the obstacles and success stories in implementing the reorganization, and proposals will be made for conducting similar processes in the future. In addition, it was determined what prerequisites need to be established, developed, and ensured in government agencies and their subordinate institutions to ensure that such processes are efficient, smooth, and as trouble-free as possible for all stakeholders.

Project contracting institution: Government Office
Project implementer: LevelLab and Baltic Research Institute
Duration: 10/2023 ‍–02/2024