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

Tartu Sport Employee Well-Being Survey 2025

Background

Tartu Sport is an institution administered by the City of Tartu and was established in 2019. The institution’s mandate is to ensure the prudent management, development, and leasing of assets entrusted to it by the City of Tartu, including sports and cultural facilities as well as supporting infrastructure.

Objective

The objective of the survey was to assess employee satisfaction, working conditions, workload, internal climate, and the quality of management in order to provide input for organisational development plans and activities aimed at improving the working environment.

Methodolgy

As part of the study, a survey was conducted among employees of Tartu Sport. Responses were collected either via LevelLab’s web-based survey platform or using paper questionnaires. The questionnaire was available in Estonian and Russian. The analysis focused on aggregated results across satisfaction categories and included a comparative review by job position.

Benefits

The City Government of Tartu gained a comprehensive overview of employee well-being at Tartu Sport, enabling informed decision-making regarding organisational development initiatives and improvements to the working environment.

Project Client: City Goverment of Tartu
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 08/2025–11/2025

Analysis of the implementation of the Estonian Qualifications Framework

Background

The level descriptions of the Estonian Qualifications Framework (EstQF) are the basis for the structure of general, vocational and higher education curricula, the preparation of vocational standards and the consideration of previous studies and work experience. In recent years, it has become apparent that the current level descriptions are sometimes too general and do not sufficiently support curriculum development or the coherence of the vocational system. This makes it difficult for learners to move between educational levels, to grant a vocational qualification and to understand qualifications.

Objective

The aim of the study is to analyse the current implementation of the EstQF, assess its alignment with the actual needs of the education system, and develop updated and more applicable level descriptors.

Methodology

.The study employs qualitative methods: document analysis, comparison of international practices, and validation seminars. Document analysis helps to map the role and applicability of the EstQF level descriptors within the Estonian education and qualification system. The international comparison provides insights into how countries with similar education systems have structured and implemented their qualification frameworks, highlighting potentially transferable good practices. The purpose of the validation seminars is to evaluate the results of the analysis and support the development of substantively effective and realistic proposals for improvement.

Benefits

The result is substantively justified proposals that support the development of the EstQF into a coherent, user-friendly and internationally understandable framework that contributes to the growth of the competitiveness of the Estonian workforce and the better integration of education and the labor market.

Project Client: Ministry of Education and Research
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 05/25-09/25

Motivation study of foreign visitors in South Estonia

Background

The South Estonia Tourism Development Plan 2025–2030 sets one of the important sub-goals of increasing the number of tourists during the low season. To achieve this goal, several targeted marketing activities and campaigns are planned.

Objective

The aim of the study was to provide an overview of the motivation and visit itinerary of foreign tourists visiting South Estonia during the low season, in order to gain a more in-depth understanding of the factors that bring foreign visitors to the South Estonia region during the low season.

Methodology

The study included a survey, interviews and document analysis. The survey was conducted at 16 tourist attractions and 12 accommodation facilities in South Estonia, with a total of 139 foreign visitors participating. In addition, 30 interviews were conducted at tourist attractions and events in South Estonia. Document analysis was also conducted during the study to gain a more comprehensive overview of the region’s development trends and emerging topics.

Benefits

The results of the study help to understand what factors and attractive features bring foreign tourists to the South Estonia region and how they plan and experience their trip there. This deeper knowledge will allow for more targeted and efficient tourism development and marketing in South Estonia.

Project Client: South Estonia Tourism Cluster
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 01/25-06/25

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The Estonian Quality Agency for Education Partnership Study

Background

The Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA) is an autonomous organization operating since 2009 that assesses the quality of education and promotes a quality culture at different levels of education. HAKA acts as a strategic partner. Previously, there was no systematic overview of the satisfaction of HAKA partners, which is why it was necessary to understand in more detail how key stakeholders perceive HAKA’s activities and what their expectations are regarding the agency’s future development.

Objective

The aim of the study was to map and analyze the current reputation (credibility), impact (benefits), and development opportunities of HAKA from the perspective of partner organizations.

Methodology

Qualitative research methods were used to conduct the study. A total of 14 group interviews and 2 focus group interviews were conducted with representatives of HAKA partner organizations. In addition, a document analysis was conducted.

Benefits

The results help to understand how HAKA’s activities meet the expectations of its partners and what benefits they perceive from HAKA’s work, what the organization’s position is within the education sector, and how its activities could be more purposefully directed and developed.

Project Client: The Estonian Quality Agency for Education
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 04/25-06/25

Elva Municipality Satisfaction Survey

Background

Elva Municipality Government conducted a resident satisfaction survey in the Elva municipality from March 12 to May 12, 2025, with 618 participants. The aim of the survey was to gather residents’ assessments of local living conditions and public services. The survey results were analyzed by LevelLab OÜ.

Objective

The aim of the analysis was to assess residents’ satisfaction across various areas based on the results of the 2025 Elva municipality satisfaction survey, with a particular focus on residents’ sense of safety and digital competence. The analysis also aimed to provide recommendations based on the findings.

Methodology

Both quantitative and qualitative analysis methods were used in the analysis. In the quantitative part, the answers to the questions were analyzed based on statistical indicators and correlations, looking at the results across the entire Elva rural municipality and based on different regions, age groups and education levels. In the qualitative part, a content analysis of the answers was conducted, during which the main bottlenecks and emerging themes were mapped.

Benefits

The analysis results allowed the Elva Municipality Government to gain an overview of the main concerns regarding public services and local living conditions and to collect suggestions on what should be changed or better organized in the rural municipality in the future.

Project Client: Elva Municipality Government
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 06/25-06/25

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Study on the Impact and Effectiveness of Interreg Projects

Background

Interreg is a programme of the EU’s cohesion policy that addresses cross-border challenges and develops the potential of territories by promoting cooperation between countries and regions. Estonia began participating in Interreg cross-border cooperation programmes in 1994 and became a full member following its accession to the European Union in 2004. Interreg programmes have supported over a thousand projects involving Estonia, fostering joint solutions across various policy areas. The European Union Member States and institutions have begun preparations for the new post-2027 programming period, launching discussions on the future of cohesion policy.  

Objective

To map and aggregate the knowledge and experience of Estonian organisations participating in Interreg programmes or having participated in the past, to assess the effectiveness, sustainability and impact of Interreg projects implemented in Estonia, and to make recommendations for planning the post-2027 programme period.

Methodology

Both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods were used to carry out the study (document analysis, survey, personal and focus group interviews).

Benefits

The results of the study will help to better ensure the sustainability of the results of Interreg projects and to implement effective measures to increase their long-term impact and value. In addition, the study will support the formation of Estonia’s positions in the negotiations on the post-2027 programming period with the European Commission and other EU Member States, contributing to the planning of the European Territorial Cooperation programmes for the new period and the preparation of legislation regulating cohesion policy.

Project contracting institution: Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 10/24-03/25

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Analysis of the Possibilities for Creating a Joint Study Information System for Estonian Universities

Background

Public universities in Estonia face several challenges in managing their study information systems, such as outdated technology, insufficient documentation, and dependence on specific development partners. One proposed solution is the creation of a shared study information system, which could help reduce costs, improve user experience, share resources, harmonize processes, enhance security, and ensure a quick response to legislative changes. In order to analyze the potential implementation of a joint system, it is necessary to identify suitable cooperation opportunities and funding models.

Objective

To support the identification of a suitable cooperation and funding model for the development of a joint study information system for universities, by analyzing and describing other similar cooperation models both between universities and more broadly, in other sectors.

Methodology

The study will employ qualitative data collection and analysis methods, including document analysis, individual and expert interviews, case analysis, and focus group interviews.

Benefits

The results of the study will help identify a suitable cooperation and funding model for the development of a joint study information system for universities. 

Project Client: Rectors’s Council
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 11/24-03/25

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Teacher Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Educational Institutions of the City of Pärnu

Background

The City of Pärnu has a diverse network of educational institutions, including 14 general education schools with approximately 700 teachers, 15 kindergartens employing around 300 teachers, and 6 hobby schools with approximately 185 teachers. The figures also include the heads of educational institutions.

Objective

The aim of the study is to gather feedback on motivation systems in educational institutions, focusing on teacher motivation, recognition practices, and key motivators.

Methodolgy

The study is based on a survey conducted among teachers working in municipal educational institutions in the City of Pärnu. The total study population comprises 1,171 education professionals, including teachers, assistant teachers, teaching assistants, support specialists, and management staff.

Benefits

The results of the study will provide a foundation for improving teacher motivation and job satisfaction at both the institutional and city levels.

Project Client: City Government of Pärnu
Project Implementer: LevelLab

Interim Evaluation of the Ministry of Education and Research R&D Programmes “Estonian Language Technology 2018–2027” and “Estonian Language and Culture in the Digital Age 2019–2027”

Background

The interim evaluation focuses on the Ministry of Education and Research programmes “Estonian Language Technology 2018–2027” (EKT) and “Estonian Language and Culture in the Digital Age 2019–2027” (EKKD), which support research and development related to the Estonian language and culture in the digital era. The programmes encompass both language technology development and research on language and culture, and their implementation is shaped by changes in the research and technological environment, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence and large language models.

Objective

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the EKT and EKKD programmes to date by mapping the current state of the field and evaluating the extent to which the programmes’ objectives have been achieved, as well as their broader contribution to research and development in the areas of the Estonian language, culture, and language technology. In addition, the study aims to provide recommendations on how the Ministry of Education and Research should further develop research and development in the language field and whether and how it would be appropriate to fund such activities after the programmes end in 2027, taking into account global trends, limited financial resources, and the need to avoid duplication with other measures.

Methodolgy

The evaluation is based on a multi-layered data collection strategy that combines document analysis, interviews, focus groups, and the analysis of quantitative indicators.

Benefits

The interim evaluation provides a comprehensive overview of the programmes’ implementation to date and their contribution to achieving the set objectives. The evaluation report includes an assessment of programme performance as well as recommendations and proposals for future funding and operational models following the conclusion of the current programmes.

Project Client: Estonian Research Council (ETAG)
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 07/2025–02/2026