Evaluation means external evaluation of research and development (R&D), which in Estonia since 2010 is carried out either as a regular evaluation for assessing the level of a field of research, or as a targeted evaluation for developing research policy and for obtaining the information necessary for the organising of research and development in a field of science. All evaluations are carried out by The Estonian Research Council (ETAG).

Regular evaluation

In the course of a regular evaluation, the level of R&D of the institution is assessed on the basis of internationally recognised criteria with regard to their respective fields. In 2017, a regular evaluation of the R&D activities of Tallinn University, ordered by the Ministry of Education and Research, took place to assess the level of the university´s R&D areas. The basis for the evaluation was OECD Frascati Manual Fields of Research. Three of the six fields of research are extensively represented in TLU: natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities and the arts. The aforementioned areas were evaluated positively for the next seven years. See directive of the Minister of Education and Research (in Estonian); evaluation committee´s evaluation report Tallinn University´s natural sciences; evaluation committee´s evaluation report Tallinn University´s social sciences; evaluation committee´s evaluation report Tallinn University´s humanities and art.

Targeted evaluation

Targeted evaluations are arranged to prepare the strategic development plans of R&D activities or other educational policy decisions and measures; or to assess and analyse the impact and implementation thereof. The topic, participants, organisation, expected results and the people carrying it out may vary with every targeted evaluation process, and they are confirmed by individual directives issued by the Minister of Education and Research with regard to each evaluation.

Targeted research has taken place in the following areas of Tallinn University: educational sciences in 2013 (see Educational Research in Estonia 2007-2011), law in 2015 (see Evaluation of Research in Law in Estonia 2009-2014) and information and communication technologies in 2015 (see Evaluation of Research in ICT in Estonia 2009-2014)