Objectives of the Newton Program
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Prepare innovative leaders who think and act strategically in top civil servant roles.
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Encourage participants to align their career aspirations with the public service and enhance their readiness to take on greater responsibilities in their respective fields, thereby increasing the pool of qualified and capable candidates for top public service leadership positions in the coming years.
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Foster shared values and strengthen collaboration skills among future leaders.
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Support smarter governance by promoting the adoption of innovative practices within institutions and across the government, in alignment with the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035."
Newton program 2025–2029
In 2025–2029, the Centre of Excellence in Public Service Leadership of the Government Office plans to organize the Newton Program three times (Newton VII, Newton VIII, and Newton IX). As a result of a public procurement, Estonian Business School was selected as the partner for implementing the programmes.
The Newton Programme is financed through the European Union project „Avaliku teenistuse tippjuhtide innovatsioonivõimekuse tõstmine läbi juhtimiskvaliteedi arendamise“.
Newton VII PROGRAM
Newton VII will take place from 21 August 2025 to 20 June 2026. The programme includes 24 participants: Ain Anslan, Eneli Nõmm, Hedi Arukase, Hendrik Lõbu, Kaija Kirch, Kaja Pae, Katre Väli, Kristi Mäe, Kstina Noormets, Laura Aus, Margit Juhkam, Marie Allikmaa, Mariliis Aren, Mari-Liis Sults, Mari-Liis Tori, Martin Eessalu, Mihkel Tamm, Ragnar Vaiknemets, Raili Roosimaa, Raoul Lättemäe, Rasmus Lumi, Sigrid Rajalo, Siim Sarapuu and Tagne Tähe.
Candidate requirements for the Newton Program
Applicants must have:
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A clear motivation and potential to assume a top civil servant position within two years of completing the program, and a readiness for active participation in the program
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A master’s degree
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Proficiency in Estonian and English at C1 level or higher
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At least 3 years of experience managing an organization or structural unit
Learning outcomes of the Newton Program
Upon completion of the program, participants will have acquired the mindset, knowledge, and skills required for top executive roles in the Estonian public service. Specifically, they will:
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Take a whole-of-government perspective and work toward cross-sectoral goals through collaboration
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Embody and promote public service values, serve as a role model, and help shape and preserve organizational values and traditions
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Support employee well-being, development, and performance by shaping challenges, fostering engagement and trust, and giving inspiring feedback
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Act with social responsibility
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Understand the day-to-day responsibilities of top civil servants in Estonia
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Know the fundamentals of crisis and change management
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Be familiar with modern policymaking and innovation leadership methods
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Know how to make data- and evidence-based decisions
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Understand the principles of sustainability
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Know how to set strategic goals and create strategy with employees and partners, taking into account political priorities, and plan, update, and resource the work needed to reach those goals
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Be able to build and lead a capable, diverse, and collaborative team, and monitor performance outcomes
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Be capable of designing efficient and innovation-friendly workflows that reflect technological developments
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Be able to communicate proactively, both internally and externally
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Be able to empower collaboration networks, engage diverse stakeholders, and maintain meaningful, regular dialogue with partners.
Feedback from Newton I–V Program graduates
Discovering the World of Executive Leadership and Refining Competencies
Antti Tooming, Deputy Secretary General for Biodiversity and Environmental Protection, Ministry of Climate; Newton V:
“My goal in joining Newton was to find like-minded people, expand my network, and gain insight into how top executives really operate. I found the job shadowing and experience-sharing from senior leaders incredibly inspiring. I also hoped to receive support on the winding road toward becoming a top executive—and my expectations were exceeded! On top of that, I got to know 21 amazing individuals who continue to support one another and with whom I’m still in active contact.”
Lauri Lugna, former Secretary General of the Ministry of the Interior; Newton I:
“The Newton Program provided a structured and thoughtful overview of the competencies required of a top executive. It offered new insights and helped reinforce what I already knew. Beyond the training, it was also a fantastic opportunity to build a rich and valuable professional network. Learning from peers was especially meaningful—it helped me better understand how other policy fields function.”
Growing together through networking
Klen Jäärats, former Director for EU Affairs, Government Office; Newton III:
“The best part of the Newton Program was the amazing people – both participants and organizers. The connections and conversations we had added so much color and perspective to the training! The experience gave me the mental readiness to apply for an executive role and became a great support on my journey, including during Estonia’s EU Presidency, often called the ‘project of the century.’”
Nele Labi, Deputy Secretary General for Innovation, Ministry of Social Affairs; Newton V:
“The Newton Program is much more than just a great training cycle – it’s a structured journey of growing together. Learning and development come as an added value, with days full of thought-provoking discussions, humor, surprising new insights, and diverse perspectives. The best part of Newton is the fellow participants with whom we truly bonded – and still stay connected. I’d compare Newton’s impact to that of a master’s program – different in format, equally enriching. I recommend it to anyone ready to learn, share, reflect, and rethink in pursuit of becoming a better leader.”
A catalyst for synergy and career direction
Mari-Liis Sööt, Director of Strategy, Government Office; Newton V:
“Instead of asking ‘why me?’ the Newton Program made me think ‘why not me?’ Meetings with inspiring individuals – like Margus Rink, Rasmus Puur, Sten Tamkivi, and others – helped me realize that one of leadership’s greatest challenges is staying true to yourself. I left the course more polished – whether in argumentation, public speaking, or ‘nudging’. We all took from Newton the sense that synergy created through collaboration leads us forward, reveals blind spots, and opens new perspectives – regardless of the topic.”
Tarvi Sits, former Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture; Newton II:
“The Newton Program was a true guidepost for me and gave me the confidence to believe that perhaps I do have the potential to be a top executive. It strikes a great balance between theory and practice and provides the starting points for further independent and in-depth exploration. I found it fascinating to delve into the theories of strategic planning, process management, and leadership – topics I had little prior experience with.”
Last updated: 07.11.2025
