Since 2000, we have compiled approximately 500 analyses and studies, the purpose of which is to help solve significant social problems. We put together evidence-based analyses, create visions of the future and regularly monitor the implementation of various policies. Our specialty is orientation to practical solutions and the most measurable results possible.

Praxis research has provided knowledge for many strategies and legislation drafts. Our projects are based on strong methodology and credible data and they contribute to the making of decisions that are beneficial for Estonia. As a result of clear and active presentation of the findings, the generated knowledge reaches decision makers and other involved parties. This increases the impact of the studies. The think tank team consists of experts and analysts who have extensive experience in both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Often, simply generating new knowledge is not sufficient and learning to apply it in practice to achieve better results is also necessary. For example, writing recommendations in a study report on how the engagement of officials and citizens’ associations needs improvement. It is important to provide support for implementation of real changes. Therefore, we organise training in our fields of work and offer development activities via our training unit – Praxis Academy.

Together with the customer we help to identify the needs for training, develop and carry out exciting development programmes, find wonderful trainers and analyse the participants’ feedback. In recent years, the most popular programmes have been on topics like engagement, impact assessment, policymaking, analytical methods and the financing of citizens’ associations. The ability to comprehensively develop people, from individual support up to seminars with hundreds of participants, is one of the strengths of Praxis.

It is not always necessary to create knowledge through a survey or analysis, because existing knowledge is already sufficient. Our experts can give advice on all the topics we are involved with. The aim of this type of consultancy work is always practical achievements – whether it means furthering a long-term project or supporting the introduction of a new tool or method. An informed bystander’s point of view may be necessary for running an important development process or unravelling a long-term problem.

So far, we have primarily advised public authorities and helped sectoral targets to achieve results. For example, we helped to find the most important and effective steps for the Estonian Integration Strategy Implementation Plan for the period 2007 to 2013. We gathered information, advised the process of plan making, involved parties and wrote recommendations. In addition, we have been a leading partner in the renewal of the development plans of medical specialities and also the preparation of the white paper on public sector employment.

Constructive decisions stem from cooperation. To ensure the best possible quality and legitimacy of decisions, authorities have to engage interest groups and the public when making decisions that affect them. What engagement really comes down to is avoiding mistakes. We have repeatedly seen how necessary parties are not engaged in decision-making and as a consequence, the process grinds to a halt at the last stage. Successful engagement requires experience. If parties are not well-informed enough, then the expected results are oftentimes not achieved.

Praxis experts have years of experience in managing and consulting the engagement processes, which we offer to private, public and third sector organisations. Some examples of our successful involvement include: moderating discussions, citizens’ forums, conversation cafés, People’s Assembly dialogue days and Praxis policy dialogue events. The last is a patented series of policy seminars, where recently completed analyses are presented. The main goal is to create debate on key decision points.

One picture says more than a thousand words. Some topics are so complex and detailed that it is better to use pictures instead of words. Estonia is at the forefront with its e-government and databases but clear and concise information on some topics is sometimes difficult to find. The importance of visualising data is increasing – few will bother to read detailed reports and would prefer to gather the main points via infographics and short comments.

We have initiated the simplifying of data on many important topics because we believe that the main societal issues should be easily understood by everyone. One such topic is the complex and detailed state budget. We have created an application called meieraha.eu, where the state’s costs and revenues are visualised on one screen. Using a calculator, everyone is able to calculate the size of their personal tax burden based on their consumption pattern.