Public Opinion Surveys on National Defence Willingness 2025–2028

Background

From the perspective of developing Estonia’s willingness to defend, it is important to understand the attitudes, awareness, and readiness of different target groups regarding national defence. This study focuses on four key groups: employers, parents, young people, and reservists. These groups have a direct impact on participation in national defence and the formation of defence willingness. Employers create the conditions for employees to contribute, parents influence the decisions of young people, young people themselves are future conscripts, and reservists form an essential part of national defence capability. Understanding their attitudes and readiness is necessary for designing informed and target group-specific activities.

Objective

The objective of the public opinion study on defence willingness is to conduct opinion polls and focus group studies over four years within four target groups.

  • The aim of the employers’ opinion poll is to assess employers’ awareness of opportunities to support national defence and their readiness to contribute to it.
  • The aim of the youth opinion poll is to map the awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of 15–19-year-olds regarding national defence issues.
  • The aim of the parents’ opinion poll is to understand parents’ attitudes toward their child’s conscription and the possible factors influencing their decision.
  • The aim of the study based on individual interviews with veterans is to map how institutions involved in veteran policy and those providing services within its framework understand the needs of veterans, and to identify the strengths and challenges of existing cooperation, coordination, and service delivery.

Methodology

The studies use both quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (individual interviews) data collection and analysis methods.

Benefits

The results provide valuable insight into how different target groups view national defence and what their expectations and attitudes are. This allows for more precise planning of services related to defence and monitoring of results. 

Project Client: Estonian Ministry of Defence
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 2025-2028

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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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

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 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 

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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

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

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

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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