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 Marathon NGO)
  • 44th Tartu Cycling Race (Client: Club Tartu Marathon NGO)
  • Tour of Estonia 2025 (Client: Club Tartu Marathon 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 Marathon NGO)
  • BMW IBU World Cup 2026 (Client: Estonian Biathlon Federation)

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

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 – …

Management Field Study 2026

Background

At the request of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, management field studies have been conducted at five-year intervals to examine the state of management in Estonia. Since the completion of the most recent study (in 2021), developments have taken place in the economic and business environment, in the overall and management-related capabilities of companies, as well as in the managerial preparedness of leaders. In addition, the field itself has developed rapidly in recent years, with new approaches and trends emerging. Awareness of and consideration for these developments may significantly influence the future success of organisations.

Objective

The objective of the study was to identify the current situation in the management field, prevailing problems (including possible market failures) and gaps, and to obtain recommendations for increasing management capability, including with the support of the state.

Methodolgy

The study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods (survey, secondary quantitative data, document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus groups).

Benefits

The study provides a comprehensive and up‑to‑date overview of the state of the management field in Estonia across companies of different sizes and types, covering various components of management quality and their impact on business performance. A comparison with previous studies (2015 and 2021) makes it possible to assess changes and developments over time and highlight prevailing trends in the field of management. The results of the study offer insight into the availability and effectiveness of organizational and management development programmes within companies, as well as the content and quality of management education in higher education institutions, while also providing recommendations for advancing the management field based on international best practices. In addition, a public Power BI dashboard will be created, providing a visual and interactive overview of management practices in Estonian enterprises based on quantitative analysis, as well as their links to economic performance and business success.

Project Client: Estonian Business and Innovation Agency
Project Implementer: University of Tartu and LevelLab
Study Duration: 06/2025-04/2026

View the final report
View the summary
View the interactive data table

Survey of corporate payment services

Objective

The objective of the study is to collect survey-based data on the use of payment services by Estonian companies and their satisfaction with these services, to assess preparedness for crises and the ability to cope with payment fraud, and to gather proposals from companies for improving payment services.

Methodolgy

The study will be conducted through an online survey. At least 700 companies will be surveyed, of which at least 400 are small enterprises with fewer than 10 employees that operate a physical point of sale or an e-commerce store.

Benefits

The results of the study will provide a comprehensive overview of the use of payment services by Estonian companies, their satisfaction, and existing shortcomings. The collected information will make it possible to assess companies’ preparedness for crises and their ability to manage payment fraud, and will offer input for the development of payment services in line with the actual needs of businesses.

Project commissioned by Eesti Pank
Project promoter:LevelLab
Duration: 2025-2031

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

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

Comparative Analysis of the Governance and Organisation of the Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad (EKKAV) Programme

Background

The Academic Studies of Estonian Language and Culture Abroad (EKKAV) is a state programme that supports the continuous teaching of the Estonian language and culture at universities outside Estonia, along with related support activities. The programme aims to provide high-quality, modern and sustainable education at internationally recognised higher education institutions and memory institutions important to Estonia. The programme’s results framework envisages growth in both the number of learners and the volume of courses: by 2027, the target is 1,500 learners, more than 30 higher education institutions included in the network, over 200 supported courses, and more than 35 scholarship holders arriving in Estonia annually.

Objective

The objective of the analysis is to map and compare the operational and governance model of the EKKAV programme (2018–2027) with similar programmes in other small countries, focusing in particular on the structure of strategic governance and the distribution of roles and responsibilities between the programme funder, the governing body and the implementing organisation. The aim is to obtain an overview of practical governance practices and, based on this, to formulate clear recommendations and directions for improving the management and organisation of the EKKAV programme.

Methodolgy

The study uses qualitative methods, including document analysis and semi-structured individual interviews. Methodological triangulation increases the reliability of the analysis by enabling a comparison between the organisational and governance logic described in the documents and the solutions implemented in practice.

Benefits

The study focused on the international comparison of the EKKAV programme’s governance and operational model and on mapping good management practices. As a result, recommendations were developed to enhance the transparency of programme governance, reduce case‑by‑case decision‑making, strengthen cooperation with partner universities, and ensure the cost‑effective interplay of programme measures.

Project Client: Education and Youth Board
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 11/2025–01/2026

Spatial Feasibility and Economic Impact Analysis of High-Performance Computing (HPC) Data Centres

Background

Estonia aims to develop high-performance computing (HPC), data centre, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in order to ensure digital sovereignty, support the green transition, and enhance international competitiveness. The planning of such infrastructure requires a comprehensive understanding of potential locations and the factors affecting their suitability, including energy supply and network connectivity, cooling and water supply, environmental and spatial planning conditions, and logistical accessibility.

Objective

The objective of the study was to prepare a management-level overview of the preconditions for the development of HPC, data centre, and AI infrastructure in Estonia, including a strategic location and infrastructure analysis as well as an indicative assessment of economic impact.

Methodolgy

The spatial analysis applied the pairwise comparison method. The weights of the criteria were determined based on the principles of pairwise comparison, applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) framework.

The economic impact assessment was conducted as a desk-based study, drawing on existing sources such as statistical data, academic literature, previous studies, policy documents, and international strategies. The main components of the analysis included preparatory activities, comparative analysis, and Estonia-specific scenarios.

Benefits

The report provides an overview of the spatial suitability of large-scale computing capacity and data processing infrastructure planned in Estonia, covering both data centres and high-performance computing solutions. The analysis serves as a basis for further detailed studies and informed planning decisions.

 

Project Client: Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs Project Implementer: Skepast&Puhkim OÜ ja LevelLab Study Duration: 11/2025–01/2026