EBS will implement social innovation training programmes commissioned by KÜSK
In February, the Sihtasutus Kodanikuühiskonna Sihtkapital (KÜSK) launched a call for proposals to find a partner to develop and deliver social innovation and social entrepreneurship training programmes in 2026 and 2027. A total of four proposals were submitted, and the Estonian Business School proposal was accepted.
The aim of the training programmes is to strengthen the competencies of NGO and entrepreneurship consultants at County Development Centres in supporting social innovation through their daily advisory work. These consultants play a key role in supporting NGOs, businesses, and initiatives across Estonia that seek to create social impact. Where possible, places in the training programmes will also be offered to other interested participants.
EBS will be responsible for designing and delivering two practical, experience based training programmes. Each programme will comprise at least 30 academic hours and will be delivered through in person learning. The training will include workshops, practical seminars, and a study visit to socially innovative initiatives. The first programme will begin in 2026, followed by the second in 2027.
“We are pleased to begin our collaboration with EBS and its trainers, who bring extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Their contribution will enhance the competencies of consultants who advise initiatives, NGOs, and businesses, thereby supporting the broader development of social innovation in Estonia,” commented Sandra Paulus, Coordinator of Social Innovation Activities within the Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme “Supporting Social Inclusion”.
“Social innovation does not emerge from good ideas alone. Leading innovation requires people who can identify, guide, and nurture those ideas. Through this programme, we aim to provide NGO and entrepreneurship consultants at County Development Centres with practical tools to help promising initiatives create societal value,” said Jelena Žovnikova, Coordinator of the EBS Training Programme.
The training programmes are part of the Swiss Estonian Cooperation Programme “Supporting Social Inclusion” and its initiative package “Strengthening Civil Society through the Promotion of Social Innovation”, implemented by KÜSK.
Lecturers
Jelena Žovnikova
Junior Research Fellow
Jelena Žovnikova is a seasoned business and financial advisor, trainer, mentor, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. She has empowered more than 1000 entrepreneurs, startups, creatives, and NGOs to optimize business models, plan finances, and accelerate growth. Formerly a partner in a pan-Baltic consulting company Grant Thornton Baltic, Jelena now leads her own consulting company, serves on the management board of Hooandja (the Baltic largest rewards-based crowdfunding platform), and is an active member of Startup Estonia’s regional development expert group. A trusted advisor, trainer and mentor in both Estonian and international incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurial programs, she is passionate about fostering innovation. During her PhD studies, Jelena aims to contribute to making the Estonian innovation ecosystem more efficient.
Kaie Koppel
Junior Research Fellow
Kaie Koppel's research areas are social innovation, co-creation, and service design. In her doctoral thesis, she develops a methodology for the design and management of social services in co-creation with networks and communities.
Since 2014, she has been involved in social innovation and public service design as a service designer, facilitator, mentor, and trainer, focusing primarily on human-centered social services. She also collaborates with the Estonian Social Innovation Lab for the applications of her doctoral research.
She has a master's degree in semiotics from the University of Tartu and an MBA in international business administration from EBS. She has been researching and teaching semiotics at the University of Tartu and has served as head of research at the Viljandi Academy of Culture. Her creative projects include the environmental documentary "The Measure of Man" and curating the renewal of the permanent exhibition of the University of Tartu Natural History Museum.
Marge Täks
Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Head of Knowledge Team
Marge Täks obtained her degree in international business management at EBS in 1998. She also did an exchange programme in the Netherlands at the Inholland University of Applied Sciences, specialising in international marketing management. In 2015, Täks got a PhD in educational sciences at the University of Tartu. Täks’s research mainly revolves around entrepreneurship teaching but also focuses on learning and teaching in a more general setting. Between 2009 and 2014, Täks worked as a lecturer of entrepreneurship, marketing and market research at Tallinn University of Technology.