Interregional Learning Event 5: Tartu and Elva, Estonia
Tartu County and Elva Municipality welcomed representatives from the partners of the Digital Rural project to Tartu, Estonia for the Project Meeting and Interregional Learning Event 5 (ILE5).
The two-day event gave an exploration of Estonia’s digital transformation. Set in the vibrant cities of Tartu and Elva, the event brought together European delegates to exchange best practices, discover local innovations, and envision a smarter, more sustainable future.
Day 1: Innovation in Motion – From Tartu to Elva
The journey began at the Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, where Sven Tobreluts from the Association of the Municipalities of Tartu County welcomed participants. Since its founding in 2009, the Centre has supported creative entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and collaborative marketing—fueling a thriving creative economy.
After a cheerful birthday celebration for Piret and Jannika, the morning continued with project updates from partner countries. These included insights into participative events, communication strategies, and digital best practices from across Europe.
Estonia’s digital tools for creative entrepreneurship stood out, particularly platforms and self-assessment systems that empower local businesses. Another highlight was a presentation on how digital services are helping reduce school food waste in Tartu County—an inspiring example of tech making a real-world impact.
In the afternoon, the delegation traveled to Elva, where digitalisation is deeply embedded in education, governance, and community life. At Elva Gymnasium, visitors sampled school lunches and explored the digital tools enhancing student learning. Municipal leaders shared their digital strategy, and a visit to Promens OÜ showcased smart manufacturing in action. The day wrapped up with a lively dinner at Uhti Inn, filled with music, conversation, and shared inspiration.
Day 2: Learning from e-Estonia
Back in Tartu, the second day focused on Estonia’s globally admired digital governance model. Johanna-Kadri Kuusk from the e-Estonia Briefing Centre led a session on the country’s evolution into a digital society—where 99% of public services are online. From e-Residency to digital tax filing and the once-only principle, Estonia’s system is built on trust, transparency, and efficiency.
Delegates also explored local innovations like the SPOKU platform, which streamlines access to over 30 municipal services in sports and culture. Tartu’s data-driven approach to public transport planning further illustrated how digital tools are enhancing everyday life.
In Elva, platforms like Arno (for public services), Volis (for online voting), and ARCGIS (for infrastructure mapping) are transforming service delivery. Other creative initiatives include digital book lockers and QR-coded memorial trees and benches—blending technology with community and heritage.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Digital Vision
Throughout the event, partners shared inspiring practices from across Europe—Hungary’s “Digital Batman,” Latvia’s digital twin of the Ogre River, and the Netherlands’ Farm Scan tool for agri-tech innovation. Discussions on “futuring” encouraged bold thinking about 2040: What kind of world do we want, and how can today’s policies shape that future?
What made the experience truly memorable wasn’t just the technology—it was the spirit of collaboration, openness, and shared learning. Estonia’s digital journey is powerful not only for its achievements but for its willingness to inspire others.
As delegates returned home, they carried with them not just new tools and ideas, but a renewed sense of possibility. Digital transformation isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about building a better future for all.
