Field of Social Sciences

Main areas of research

Innovation

This is one of the leading research directions of FEM. The focus lies on the implementation of innovations in the region's enterprises and the design and development of regional innovation systems. Of high relevance are studies on the presence of high-tech, medium-high-tech and knowledge-intensive service enterprises in the region and their impact on the region's entrepreneurship and economic development. This direction is closely linked to two other directions, entrepreneurship and regional economy.

Entrepreneurship

This direction is strongly integrated in the study process and research activities. Main research results were carried out in topics related to comparative analysis of students’ entrepreneurial intentions in Latvia and other CEE countries, paperless management, green entrepreneurship development, customer decision making, circular economy strategies, learning organizations theories, eco management, importance of innovations for entrepreneurship development, business education excellence.

Regional economy

This direction is closely interconnected with the innovation and entrepreneurship research fields. The main focus of research activity is on the regional economy of the Kurzeme region and systemic approach of regional economy impact on national economy development. Research addresses such topics of regional economy as investment of development of environmental economics, innovations and innovation activities for entrepreneurship development in region, strategy for retaining graduates and its impact on regional development.

Economics

The research in this direction is carried out in four subfields of macroeconomics, finance, education management, and sustainability. The role of fundamental research of FEM is mostly related to economics and includes the development and application of mathematical models for forecasting economic development and financial aspects, input-output analysis and other methods of economic forecasting.

The scientific activity of FEM is of both fundamental and applied nature. It confirms the importance of both the creation of new knowledge and its practical application. Most of the fundamental studies are carried out in the field of economics, while the studies in other fields are more of applied nature.

The doctoral programme, the implementation of the new doctoral model and the presence of a Doctoral School have a significant impact on the development of science at the Faculty. A large part of the Faculty's academic and research staff is involved in the doctoral programme: professors, doctoral students. All PhD students after graduation and obtaining scientific degree have continued their work at the faculty.

FEM actively involves students in its research activities, including doctoral candidates, fostering the integration of academic study with practical research experience.

I nformation about FEM staff members engaged in scientific research in Scientific Profiles

VUAS publications

VUAS projects

Events and Highlights

The following overview highlights the key events and accomplishments of VUAS in recent years, showcasing its dynamic involvement in academic, research, entrepreneurial, and international initiatives. From successful Erasmus+ projects and student hackathons to international collaborations and innovation forums, the university continues to play a pivotal role in promoting excellence in higher education and fostering a vibrant, forward-thinking academic community. In addition, VUAS actively engages with the wider public through initiatives such as the European Researchers’ Night and outreach programs for school students, including the “Ventspils Young Entrepreneurs School,” strengthening its role as a center for knowledge and community development.

COLOURS Partners Explore Mental Health and Inclusion at Paderborn, Germany

By Rota Rulle • November 4, 2025

In October, VUAS COLOURS WP5, headed by Lasma Asme, joined other representatives from COLOURS partner universities gathered at Garage33, Paderborn University, Germany, for a dynamic CoLab dedicated to Mental Health, Body Image, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The three-day event, which is part of the COLOURS CoSpace initiative, brought together students, researchers, and staff from across Europe to exchange perspectives and co-create innovative approaches under the smart specialisation area of Health and Well-being. Participants from a very diverse background, under the moderation of Dr Christine Hante-Koch and Dr Alena Diedrich, discussed how issues like body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression are closely connected and how promoting a positive body image can make a real difference for people’s health. Using design thinking processes, the group also worked on the importance of creating fair and inclusive support systems that meet the needs of different communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people facing disabilities, financial struggles, or migration challenges. The participants were divided into 4 groups and had cases ranging from how to deal with women who survived breast cancer, to isolated international students living in other countries, and how to make gamers more active while utilizing their special skills and enlarging their comfort zone. At the end of the event, each group pitched their ideas, solutions, and next steps. These solutions were evaluated and challenged by a panel of experts from multiple disciplines, with the example of Martin Persson, Professor of Health Sciences at Kristianstad University. The CoLab encouraged teamwork, creativity, and cultural exchange. The ideas developed in Paderborn will help shape future COLOURS activities and strengthen collaboration between partner universities committed to building healthier and more inclusive learning environments and society at large.

Doctoral Student Presents Research at the International Scientific Conference at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences

By Rota Rulle • October 29, 2025

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Doctoral Student Presents Research at the International Scientific Conference at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland. On 24 October 2025, Monta Anšica, a doctoral student at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, participated in the 11th International Scientific Conference "Trends in Regional Development in the EU Countries 2025" organised by the Warsaw University of Natural Sciences within the framework of the State Research Programme project "Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence of adults and assessment of the transfer of their results to practice in Latvia" (VPP-IZM-Education-2023/4-0001) and presented the report "Managerial Competencies and Corporate Reputation from the Perspective of Investors". The conference was attended by researchers and industry experts from the European Union and other countries of the world, in total more than 15 countries, including Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, Hungary, Albania, China, India, etc., who presented scientific reports on regional development in the European Union, with an emphasis on sustainable development, demography, implementation of smart solutions, digital transformation, trends in the development of human resources in sectors, etc. The research presented by the doctoral student contributes to the understanding of the role of adult education in the development of professional competences. Participation in the conference strengthens the experience of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Latvian researchers by promoting international scientific cooperation.

VUAS receives the “Best Practice University” certificate for high standards in the quality of international studies

By Rota Rulle • October 29, 2025

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) has been recognized as one of 16 higher education institutions in Latvia to receive the “Best Practice University” award from the Study in Latvia initiative. This certificate confirms that the university meets the criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior, ensuring responsible admission of international students and a high-quality study process. With this Agreement, the VUAS have undertaken to comply with the criteria and principles of the Agreement fostering good practice in attracting international students and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality study process. VUAS promises to observe good faith and ethical principles, providing only true information in marketing activities and advertising campaigns for international students.

Erasmus Days at VUAS: A Celebration of International Collaboration

By Rota Rulle • October 28, 2025

On October 22, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) joined the international celebration of “Erasmus Days”, bringing students and staff together for an afternoon filled with creativity, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The event was organized by two students of VUAS with the help of international office and “COLOURS”, featuring engaging activities and friendly competition across a series of interactive stations. Each station offered a unique challenge inspired by the theme of cultural diversity, encouraging participants to test their knowledge, communication skills, and creativity while earning points for their teams. Guided by enthusiastic station leaders and coordinated by the two main event organizers, the atmosphere was both energetic and welcoming. Students from different study programs and cultural backgrounds had the opportunity to connect, work together, and learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging environment. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks, as well as a live performance from the band “Sweet Sixteen.” The music, laughter, and friendly competition made for a memorable afternoon celebrating the spirit of “Erasmus +” openness, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. At the end of the activities, all teams received prizes in recognition of their efforts, with the winning team taking home exclusive VUAS merchandise. “Erasmus Days” once again highlighted the value of collaboration and student mobility, reminding everyone that learning extends far beyond the classroom, it thrives through shared experiences and cultural exchange and making new connections. Photos: Endijs Eihlers

VUAS representative strengthens cooperation with Le Mans University in France

By Rota Rulle • October 22, 2025

In September, Lilita Sproģe, Head of the Doctoral School at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, went on a business trip to Le Mans University in France to discuss opportunities for creating a joint internship project for doctoral students and developing cooperation in providing doctoral study courses, research, and student mobility. The meeting was organized by COLOURS project partners at the Le Mans University. The day's program included several meetings with representatives of Le Mans University, including Christine Gonzalez, Deputy Director of the EDGE Doctoral School and Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Geoffroy Martin, Administrative Director of the Doctoral School, Selin Duhan, Head of the International Relations Office, Xavier Lachazette, Vice President of International Relations, and Miloš Borozan, former COLOURS WP3 Manager. During her visit, L. Sproģe familiarized herself with the language faculty and doctoral student workspaces, as well as the research infrastructure on the university campus. Le Mans University is closely integrated into the city structure and easily accessible by public transport from Paris and Le Mans itself. The talks covered key differences between Latvian and French doctoral school models and regulatory frameworks, credit point accounting principles, promotion procedures, and deadlines for completing doctoral theses. The meeting resulted in a strengthened mutual interest in further cooperation in the development of joint doctoral activities and research in the fields of linguistics and economics.

VUAS researchers representing the State Research Programme project at International Academic Conference

By Rota Rulle • October 21, 2025

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences researchers Una Libkovska and Zane Zonberga, representing the State Research Programme project VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-0001, took part in the 20th International Academic Conference at Daugavpils University “Social Sciences for Regional Development 2025.” On October 17-18, 2025, the researchers of the National Research Programme project "Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results to practice in Latvia", professor Una Libkovska and doctoral student Zane Zonberga participated in the international scientific conference "Social sciences for regional development 2025", which took place at the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences of Daugavpils University. The conference presented the research implemented within the framework of the project, looking at the effectiveness of adult professional competence development, human capital development, skills transfer tools in practice, as well as the importance of regional cooperation for the sustainable development of education and employment. The conference, organized by Daugavpils University, brought together participants from 24 universities and research institutes, representing 17 countries, including Latvia, Germany, Norway, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Portugal, USA, Croatia, Georgia, Ukraine and other countries. The programme covered a wide range of social sciences, from sustainable regional policy and economic transformation to social cohesion and regulatory challenges. Participation in the conference created opportunities to expand international cooperation networks and build dialogue with academic and industry partners, while also enabling the approbation of research results in a broad expert audience and fostering interdisciplinary discussion on advancing adult education policy and professional skills development in Latvia’s regions.