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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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

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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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

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 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

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

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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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

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