Field of Social Sciences
The research in Social sciences is conducted by the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEM), one of the three faculties of VUAS.
VUAS is a regional university where most of the students come from the region and most of the graduates stay in the region becoming the drivers of regional development. Therefore, there is a very strong regional connection of research areas of FEM. Four main areas and foci of FEM performed research are innovation, entrepreneurship, regional economy and economics.
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.
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.
On April 9th, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted Career Day 2025 , uniting high schoolers , university students , educators , and employers for a dynamic day of networking and hands-on experiences .
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the international Erasmus+ project "Enhancing development of entrepreneurial strategies at university locations affected by brain drain" (ENDORSE). The project focused on the pressing issue of "brain drain" in university cities by offering innovative solutions to strengthen the entrepreneurial environment and retain young talent in the regions. The main goal of the ENDORSE project was to develop and implement new strategies and teaching approaches to foster entrepreneurship development in university cities facing the emigration of qualified specialists. Through international cooperation, existing challenges were analysed, and effective ways were sought to enhance students' entrepreneurial skills and motivate them to develop their business ideas within their home region. One of the most significant and practically applicable outcomes of the project is the development of guidelines for teachers and a comprehensive set of teaching materials for entrepreneurship study courses . These resources are designed for easy integration into existing study program or for use in creating new courses. For example, one of the learning materials includes video interviews with local entrepreneurs from different countries to learn about their experiences. Elviss Brauns and Āris Birze, VUAS colleagues and mentors of the ‘Startup Management’ bachelor study program, also share their start-up experiences. The materials are freely available to anyone interested, particularly university lecturers seeking to modernise and practically enrich their teaching content in the field of entrepreneurship. All final project results, including these materials and experience stories, are compiled and accessible on the final project website – click the button below.
On Wednesday, May 28, everyone is invited to the Kurzeme Business Forum “Artificial Intelligence – The 4th Industrial Revolution”, which will take place at the Latvija concert hall. The forum will bring together entrepreneurs, municipal representatives, university staff and students, as well as technology experts to discuss the significance of education and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business. The first part of the forum will focus on the role of higher education in the AI era. The development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will be examined in this context, addressing key questions: How will the education system adapt to new requirements? Which professions will remain relevant, and which will change? The discussion will also explore the synergy between AI and cybersecurity in academic studies. The second part of the forum will address the question—do businesses need AI? The legal framework and state support mechanisms for such innovations will be introduced. Entrepreneurs will share their experiences, and participants will gain insights into common myths and the real situation regarding AI in Latvia’s economy. The discussion will conclude with an exploration of the opportunities for port development in the AI era. Participants will have the chance to engage in valuable discussions and networking sessions. Although the forum will be held in Latvian, the company SIA Tilde will provide real-time translation into any language using AI technology. Register for the forum now: https://www.kurzemesbiznesaforums.lv/ The forum is organized by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences within the European University Alliance COLOURS, in collaboration with the Ventspils State City Municipality, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority, and the Green and Smart Technology Cluster.
On March 7th, the COLOURS Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center was opened in the MOOMENTUM coworking space. This center offers students a place to develop their business ideas and create innovations. To understand how the Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center should operate and what services and opportunities it should provide, it was essential to ask the students themselves – what do YOU need to start your own business? Based on the collected information, the mission, vision, goals, and desired activities of the Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center were developed.
The Kurzeme regional branch of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in collaboration with the European Business Support Network, the Latvian Digital Accelerator, the Ventspils City Municipality Council, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the Kurzeme Planning Region, Ventspils High Technology Park, and SIA “EnterDigital,” is organizing a Business Club event titled “Digitalization and Funding Opportunities” on February 26, from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM in Ventspils. Kristiāna Balode will present information about Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the COLOURS European University Alliance. She will deliver a presentation titled "Opportunities Provided by European Universities for the Business Environment in Kurzeme." Nowadays, digitalization is not just a technological trend—it is a necessity for businesses aiming to be competitive, efficient, and innovative. In response to the interest expressed by entrepreneurs, the LCCI Kurzeme regional branch is organizing the Business Club event focusing on the development of digitalization and the available funding opportunities for businesses. At the LTRK Kurzeme Business Club event, experts will discuss the importance of digital transformation in business, its impact on competitiveness, and the available support mechanisms for companies. There will also be a discussion on the significance of digitalization for business development, highlighting both opportunities and challenges related to digital transformation. Participants will share their experiences, provide practical advice and recommendations on how businesses can successfully leverage available support mechanisms and solutions to overcome digital transformation challenges and enhance their operations. As part of the Business Club event, participants will also have the opportunity to join a study visit organized by the European Business Support Network to the company SIA “Bio-Venta”. They will learn about the company's operations and experience in international markets, including its export and development strategies. Additionally, participants will explore the digital solutions implemented by the company to improve efficiency and competitiveness. Special attention will be given to innovative solutions and technologies used in daily operations, as well as sustainable development principles and initiatives that help reduce environmental impact and promote efficient resource utilization. Participation in the Business Club event is free of charge with prior registration by February 24, 2025. Registration and the event program are available here: https://ej.uz/KurzemesBiznesaKlubs_februaris This event is co-financed by the European Union project "Latvian Digital Accelerator" DAoL, ID No. 101083718, and the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility ID No. 2.2.1.1.i.0/1/23/I/CFLA/002. Funded by the European Union and the European Union - NextGenerationEU. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission is responsible for them.
As part of the COLOURS project, an IMAGINE/IDEATE workshop was organized at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, where students applied design thinking principles to address equality, diversity, and inclusion issues within the university environment. This two-day workshop provided an opportunity for participants to analyze existing challenges and develop practical solutions they could implement themselves. During the workshop, students worked in groups, first identifying the challenges they face in their daily lives. They then focused on creating solutions using creative methods. Importantly, the proposed solutions had to be realistically implementable by the students themselves, fostering their responsibility for shaping the environment and driving positive changes. At the end of the workshop, students presented their ideas, and the best proposals were recognized. The winning group, composed of first-year students from the professional bachelor’s program in Intercultural Communication, proposed organizing events to help students integrate into their new environment and find like-minded peers. These events aim to provide practical support to young people facing challenges in adapting to a new social and academic setting. The authors emphasized that such events would foster a positive and inclusive experience, promoting mutual support among students. The workshop’s outcomes demonstrate that by encouraging active student participation and creative approaches, sustainable changes can be achieved in their daily lives. This workshop is part of the COLOURS project, which aims to promote the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in educational institutions.
Collaboration and networks
FEM is engaged in various forms of academic cooperation at national and international levels:
- FEM participates in the ERASMUS+ program, offering mobility opportunities for both students and academic staff.
- VUAS is a member of the European University Alliance COLOURS, contributing to joint activities and academic initiatives. FEM has a significant role in coordination COLOURS activities in VUAS.
- FEM is involved in international and national research and partnership projects.
- In cooperation with Rezekne Academy of Technologies and Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, FEM implements the joint doctoral study program “Economics and business” and is represented in Promotion Council.
- VUAS is a member of several professional and academic associations, supporting institutional collaboration.
- Students have the opportunity to complete internships at the national level through cooperation with several enterprises and institutions.
National collaboration
UNIVERSITIES
| Organisation | Type of collaboration |
|---|---|
| Daugavpils University | Project " Digitalization Initiatives for Improving the Quality of Studies in the field of Strategic Specialization of Higher Education Institution" (DIGI) |
| Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) | Project " Digitalization Initiatives for Improving the Quality of Studies in the field of Strategic Specialization of Higher Education Institution" (DIGI) |
| Liepaja University (LiepU) [from 01.03.2024 RTU Liepaja Academy] | Project “Elaboration of evidence-based solutions for effective professional competence development of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia” (VPP4) (2023 - 2026) |
| Rezekne Academy of Technologies (RTA) | • The joint doctoral study program "Economics and business". • Activity in the Promotion Council. • Project "Digitalization Initiatives for Improving the Quality of Studies in the field of Strategic Specialization of Higher Education Institution" (DIGI) |
| Turība University | Project " Digitalization Initiatives for Improving the Quality of Studies in the field of Strategic Specialization of Higher Education Institution" (DIGI) |
| University of Latvia (UL) | • Agreement on student exchange at all levels of study (from 2018); • Project " Digitalization Initiatives for Improving the Quality of Studies in the field of Strategic Specialization of Higher Education Institution" (DIGI) • Project “Elaboration of evidence-based solutions for effective professional competence development of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia” (VPP4) (2023 - 2026) |
| Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) | • The joint doctoral study program "Economics and business". • Activity in the Promotion Council. |
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
| Organisation | Type of collaboration |
|---|---|
| Association of Latvian Large Cities | Cooperation with associations |
| Green Tech Cluster | • Cooperation with associations • Internship opportunities for students |
| Kuldīga Municipal Government | Internship opportunities for students |
| Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) | Cooperation with associations |
| The Confederation of Latvian Employers (LDDK) | Cooperation with associations |
| Talsi Municipal Government | Internship opportunities for students |
| Valmiera Development Agency | • Project " Vidzeme Innovation Program for Students" (VIPs) • Project "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe” |
| Valmiera Municipality | Project "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" |
| Valmiera Vocational Education and Training Centre | Project "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" |
| Ventspils City Municipality | Cooperation agreement |
| Ventspils County Municipality | Internship opportunities for students |
| Ventspils City Education Board | • Internship opportunities for students • Cooperation in education issues |
| Ventspils Vocational Technical school | Project "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" |
| Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences Foundation | Project " Vidzeme Innovation Program for Students" (VIPs) |
ENTERPRISES
| Organisation | Type of collaboration |
|---|---|
| JSC Development Finance Institution ALTUM department of Kurzeme region | Participation in the State Examinations Commission |
| “Aspired” Ltd | Project “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" |
| Baltijas Datoru Akadēmija (BDA), Ltd | Project " Digitalization Initiatives for Improving the Quality of Studies in the field of Strategic Specialization of Higher Education Institution" (DIGI) |
| Baltic Logistic Solutions Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| “Bio Venta” Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| Business Support Centre | Internship opportunities for students |
| “Bucher Municipal” Ltd | • Cooperation agreement about internships for FEM students. • Participation in the State Examinations Commission. • Scholarship for students. |
| “Diana Sveces” Ltd | Internship opportunities for studentS |
| Freeport of Ventspils | Internship opportunities for students |
| "Hansamatrix Ventspils" Ltd | • Internships for students • Scholarship for students |
| “IntelliTech” Ltd | Project "Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe" |
| “Kurekss” Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| “Kurzemes Biznesa inkubators” Ltd | Project “Kurzeme Innovation Grants for Students” (KInGS) |
| Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Center Ltd department of Ventspils | Participation in the State Examinations Commission |
| LIAA Ventspils business incubator | Participation in the State Examinations Commission |
| “Malmar Sheet Metal” Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| “PricewaterhouseCoopers” Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| “StenaLine” Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| JSC “Swedbank” | Internship opportunities for students |
| "TechGym" Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| VHTP (Ventspils High Technology Park) | • Internship opportunities for students. • Participation in the State Examinations Commission. • Cooperation in projects. |
| “Ventspils siltums”, Municipal limited liability company | Internship opportunities for students |
| Olympic Centre “Ventspils” Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| Vitol Terminal Latvia (VTL) Ltd | • Internship opportunities for students • Guest lectures. |
| "VNK serviss" Ltd | Internship opportunities for students |
| JSC “Wasserkabel Baltic” | Internship opportunities for students |
| “WeAreDots” Ltd | Project " Digitalization Initiatives for Improving the Quality of Studies in the field of Strategic Specialization of Higher Education Institution" (DIGI) |
International Collaboration
UNIVERSITIES
| Organisation | Type of collaboration |
|---|---|
| Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (Germany) | Project “Enhancing development of entrepreneurial strategies at university locations affected by brain drain” (ENDORSE) (2022 - 2024) |
| IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems (Austria) | 1.Cooperation agreement - ERASMUS + 2. Project “Enhancing development of entrepreneurial strategies at university locations affected by brain drain” (ENDORSE) (2022 - 2024) |
| Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (Poland) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
| Josip Juraj Strossmayer University in Osijek (Croatia) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
| Kristianstad University (Sweden) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
| Mittuniversitetet MID SWEDEN UNIVERSITY (Sweden) | Project “Enhancing development of entrepreneurial strategies at university locations affected by brain drain” (ENDORSE) (2022 - 2024) |
| Paderborn University (Germany) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
| Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences (Greece) | Project “Enhancing development of entrepreneurial strategies at university locations affected by brain drain” (ENDORSE) (2022 - 2024) |
| University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
| University of Ferrara (Italy) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
| University of LeMans (France) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
| University of LODZ (Poland) | Project “Enhancing development of entrepreneurial strategies at university locations affected by brain drain” (ENDORSE) (2022 - 2024) |
| University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia) | Project “COLLaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (COLOURS) |
