Estonia is widely recognised as one of the most digitally-advanced nations in Europe. For our project—which aims to equip disadvantaged youth with digital skills, AI and automation knowledge, and self-employment competencies—Estonia offers a compelling case study of how smart policy + tech + education can combine to uplift local talent and reduce migration pressure.

Here are some of the key facts:

• Estonia has achieved a 62.6% rate of basic digital skills among adults, compared with the EU average of 55.6%. 

• As part of the “AI Leap 2025” initiative, from September 2025 around 20,000 students (grades 10-11) and 3,000 teachers will gain access to AI-powered tools and training. 

• Estonia is building on its earlier digital education programme Tiigrihüpe (Tiger Leap) from the 1990s, which helped bring internet and computers to all schools.

What the “AI Leap 2025” Initiative Really Entails

The AI Leap initiative is a national effort led by Estonia’s Ministry of Education and Research, in collaboration with tech companies, educators and civic partners. Some detailed elements:

• Starting September 2025: rollout of AI-based learning apps and tools for upper secondary students (grades 10-11).
• A teacher-training track: ~3,000 teachers will undergo workshops to learn how to use and integrate AI tools in teaching and learning.
• Plans to expand by 2026/27 to vocational schools and other cohorts — ultimately reaching tens of thousands of learners.
• The initiative emphasises not just tool access, but ethical, responsible use of AI (critical thinking, distinguishing outputs, avoiding misuse).

Why This Is Highly Relevant for Our Project

1. Skill-gap addressal: Just as Estonia is boosting AI literacy and digital skills to stay competitive, our project seeks to empower youth in disadvantaged regions with those same capabilities—so they don’t have to migrate to find jobs.

2. Local capacity: Estonia’s approach shows that investing in local schooling, digital infrastructures, and teacher up-skilling can help local talent stay and thrive. That aligns with our goal of building local self-employment and freelancing opportunities.

3. Technology + integration: The fact that Estonia isn’t just giving tools, but also training teachers and building frameworks, mirrors what we want to do: digital resource library + modules + network + training of youth workers.

4. Equity and access: Estonia specifically highlights support for poorer communities and free access for students as part of its AI Leap rollout. That resonates with our target group—disadvantaged young people who might otherwise be left behind.