Our topics of expertise

CASS got its start in 2008 as a project management unit, which supported University of Tartu’s applied research, and the creation of data-based input in a variety of fields. As time went on, the role of the centre grew substantially: in addition to project management, a strong team of analysts was built, and the content of the work expanded to labour market, regional, education and research policy, and the analysis of migration and EU’s structure funds’ impact. A more varied package of projects gave the basis of the development of clearer thematic focuses.

Thus there came a need to structure the daily work of the centre such that the competences were more clearly defined. In 2022, the first such definition was developed, dividing the centre’s expertise under 5 topics: education and research policy, labour market and social policy, spatial development and regional policy, enterprise and economics, and international projects.

By today, CASS' structure has developed further, and we do our work through 4 topics of expertise: education and research policy, labour market and social policy, spatial development and regional policy, and sustainability and economic policy. This division reflects both our historical experience, as well as the changing needs of Estonian society. Clearly defined themes allow us to focus on a multitude of different questions inside the fields, share expertise within our team, and ensure CASS' capability to provide substantial science-based support for local and international partners.