Impact Lab

The aim of Tallinn University's Impact Lab is to develop a dynamic culture of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking by providing information and inspiration to all interested students, researchers, and faculty members, and by helping them acquire the necessary competencies in the field of responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship for potential co-creation processes.

The main focus of Tallinn University Impact Lab is:

 

  • Developing entrepreneurship at Tallinn University by involving students, researchers, and teaching staff in the implementation of internal events to foster a sustainable and responsible culture and habits;
  • Creating a foundation for the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Tallinn University;
  • Supporting the development of impact entrepreneurship* and creative entrepreneurship at Tallinn University (incl. social innovation and ESG, which stands for a sustainable and responsible approach to business management based on environmental, social, and governance aspects);
  • Launching a series of events where Tallinn University researchers, students, and teaching staff have the opportunity to present research papers or projects to external guests, during which a product/service design process takes place.

In addition, the Impact Lab coordinates various support services (incl. the needs-based pre-incubation programme "" within the framework of the LIFE (Learning in Interdisciplinary Focused Environment) project), the HÃœPE (Tomorrow's General Competencies for Life) course for developing an entrepreneurial mindset, and the activities of the working group promoting sustainability and responsibility, and manages information channels between external partners in the field of impact and creative entrepreneurship and Tallinn University.

The partners of Tallinn University Impact Lab are:

  • (SEE);
  • ;
  • ;
  • ;
  • .

Tallinn University Impact Lab aims to be the leader in developing a sustainable value proposition and a social innovation strategy within the ecosystem of higher education institutions, addressing entrepreneurship topics over the next five years. This section also includes an overview of the desired results, which will be achieved through co-creation with partners, leading to planned large-scale systematic changes.

* Impact entrepreneurship is a form of entrepreneurship whose primary goal is not profit generation but offering environmental and/or social added value by developing and implementing financially viable business models.

Social Innovation Competence Centre (SIKK 2.0) Development Project

The project focuses on increasing the capacity of the Estonian Social Innovation Competence Centre and network and strengthening cooperation between actors in the social innovation (SI) ecosystem. During the project, a strategy for the competence centre will be developed, and various studies will be conducted. Promoting international cooperation also plays an important role.

The project involves 25 partners from Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Estonia, who have formed the ESIA – European Social Innovation Alliance network. The lead partner of the project is Social Impact from Germany. Nine organisations from Estonia are participating in the project. In addition to other project activities, Tallinn University is also part of the ESF+ international SI community of practice ().  

The project team at Tallinn University includes: Merle Levassor, Katri-Liis Lepik, Triin Kübar.

Tallinn University Impact Lab Activities

10.11.2025  ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ Ãœlikooli Vaimse Tervise Kuu 2025 (in Estonian)

30.10.2025 Süsteemsete muutuste eestvedamine: ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ Ãœlikool Euroopa Sotsiaalse Innovatsiooni Foorumil 2025 (in Estonian)

13.05.2025  (in Estonian)

06.05.2025  (in Estonian)

Tallinn University Impact Lab team