Implementation of the Survey Study “Ida-Viru Today and Tomorrow: Residents’ Opinions and Expectations”

Background

The aim of the survey is to obtain an overview of residents’ opinions regarding the changes that have taken place in Ida-Viru County in recent years, as well as their expectations for the future. In order to gain a deeper understanding of these changes and to better anticipate future developments, it is essential to compile a comprehensive “mosaic” of the actual living conditions, views, and plans of the entire population of Ida-Viru County, covering all municipalities and cities, nationalities, and social groups.

The survey study is conducted within the framework of the Ida-Viru Just Transition research programme: https://teadusidavirumaal.ee    

Objective

The objective of the study is to conduct a population survey among residents of Ida-Viru County, covering issues related to employment, education, health, and broader societal topics.

Methodolgy

The study will be conducted using both an online survey and face-to-face interview-based data collection methods. The research will be conducted among residents of Ida-Viru County aged 18–64, using a multi-stage sampling design. The aim is to ensure the reliability and representativeness of the results, as well as adequate inclusion of different population groups across the region. The target sample size is at least 1,000 respondents, ensuring statistically reliable and representative findings.

Benefits

The results of the study will provide a comprehensive and multifaceted overview of the current situation, attitudes, and future expectations of the residents of Ida-Viru County.

Project Client: University of Tartu
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 11/2025 – …

Study on Food Waste and Food Loss Across the Entire Estonian Food Supply Chain

Background

Reducing food waste and food loss is an integral part of both European Union and Estonian environmental and circular economy policies. European Union legislation requires Member States to measure food waste generation using a harmonised methodology and to implement measures to reduce food waste across the entire food supply chain. In Estonia, a significant amount of food waste is generated each year, a large share of which is avoidable and has considerable environmental and economic impacts. This study provides an up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge base to support the achievement of national and EU objectives, to inform the development of effective policy measures and awareness-raising activities, and to contribute to the advancement of the circular economy throughout the food supply chain.

Objective

The objective of the study is to collect up-to-date data on food waste generation in Estonia and to use this information to design targeted awareness-raising interventions for different population groups, to identify opportunities for industrial symbiosis, and to assess the need for government intervention.

Methodolgy

The study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining the analysis of administrative and registry data with quantitative surveys, semi-structured interviews, expert interviews, and a diary-based method.

Benefits

The study will produce key messages for use in awareness-raising campaigns and projects and will provide a foundation for the development of new measures. The results will enable the Ministry of Climate to identify needs for the prevention and reduction of waste and packaging, as well as for the promotion of reuse.

Project Client: Environmental Investment Centre
Project Implementer: LevelLab and Roheline Rada
Study Duration: 06/2025–09/2026

Analysis of the PACT Risk Assessment Tool

Background

PACT (Positive Achievement Change Tool) is a scientifically validated risk assessment methodology developed in the United States and applied in Estonia in services targeting children and young people with high-risk behaviour, including Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), the Secure Care Service for Children (KLAT), and the “Breaking the Cycle” (Ringist välja, RV) model. The tool is used to assess the risk of delinquency and support the selection of appropriate interventions. Practical experience to date has shown that the existing solution does not fully meet Estonia’s technical and data protection requirements and does not allow for sufficiently precise assessment of service impact or the qualitative changes achieved during service delivery. Consequently, there is a need to develop a more accurate risk assessment solution that is better suited to the Estonian context and supports evidence-based interventions as well as well-founded decisions when young people exit services.

Objective

The objective of the study is to critically assess the suitability of the existing PACT risk assessment tool in the context of MDFT, KLAT and RV services, to conceptually and empirically develop a new or enhanced assessment tool, and to define its implementation model and integration possibilities.

Methodolgy

The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative analysis is based on completed PACT risk assessment questionnaires. The qualitative component includes document analysis and semi-structured individual interviews.

Project Client: Social Insurance Board
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 11/2025–06/2026

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

Evaluation of the Performance-Based Round for Labour Market Services

Background

Population aging is currently the main demographic trend in both Estonia and Europe, which, coupled with deepening labor shortages, requires effective measures to integrate older adults into the workforce. Through European Union support measures, the Results-Based Call Measure 3.2 was implemented, focusing on enhancing the employability of individuals aged 55 and older. Prior to announcing the call for proposals, the funding scheme for supported activities targeting the older age group was also amended, implementing simplified reimbursement methods – fixed-sum payments and standardized unit costs.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the relevance, effectiveness, impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of the approach/funding scheme used, and to provide recommendations for organizing call for proposals in the future.

Methodology

The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, including document analysis, quantitative data analysis, interviews, and a validation seminar. The purpose of the interviews was to gather in-depth input for evaluating the relevance and effectiveness of the program. The interviewees included grant recipients, project participants, representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs, and representatives from the State Support Services Centre.

Benefits

As a result of the study, the justification for the results-based approach in open call tenders for employment policy implementation was identified, and suggestions were made for future improvements in organizing results-based grant schemes in the field of employment policy.

Project ordering institution: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Project executor: LevelLab
Duration:04/2023 ‍– 12/2023


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

View the final report

Analysis of the impact and effectiveness of the Youth Guarantee support system implementation

Background

2018. In 2018, there were 12,400 young people aged 15-24 and 13,200 young people aged 25-29 in Estonia who were not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), accounting for 11.7% of the 15-29 age group. In 2017, the Ministry of Social Affairs introduced the Youth Guarantee Support System (hereinafter NGTS), aimed at identifying young people who are not studying or working (NEETs) and providing them with targeted support from local governments, primarily to continue their education and/or enter the workforce.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the relevance, impact, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of the NGTS implementation.

Results

It was found that overall, the NGTS is effective, and its implementation along with support measures has significantly helped young people to better transition into employment and/or education. The study confirmed that active labor market measures, networking, personalized counseling, and prevention play a significant role in supporting continued education and entry into the labor market. Therefore, considering the low awareness among young people, NGTS, along with other services, directly supports the alleviation of the situation of NEET youth in Estonia.

Methodology

Personal interviews and focus group interviews, document analysis, and quantitative data analysis were conducted.

Project contracting authority: Ministry of Social Affairs
Project implementers: LevelLab and Baltic Institute of Research
Duration: 04/2020 ‍– 12/2020

View the final report