Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, together with partner universities, has joined a national research program project called " Elaboration of evidence-based solutions for effective professional competence development of adults and assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia ." Project participants Zane Zonberga and Sanita Lasmane, guest lecturers at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, spoke about their work on the project, outlining the nature of the problem and possible solutions. Rapid changes require new skills The importance of this project will be appreciated by anyone who has ever thought about how much their profession has changed in recent years – whether the knowledge and skills acquired at school twenty, ten or five years ago still meet the requirements of today's job market? Rapid changes in society, automation of production, and the development of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, require workers in many fields to constantly learn new skills to remain competitive in a changing job market. In this context, high-quality professional development for adults is of great importance, which is also clearly defined in Latvia's National Development Plan 2021-2027 as part of Latvia's sustainable development strategy to strengthen the country's ability to adapt to the changing labor market. In reality, adult education often lags behind the declared goals. To reduce this gap, a national research program project is currently being developed. Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of adult professional competence and evaluation of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia (No. VPP-IZM-Education-2023/4-0001). The lead partner is the University of Latvia, but partner universities – Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and RTU Liepāja Academy – also play an essential role in the project. Zane Zonberga is a second-year doctoral student in the joint doctoral program in Economics and Entrepreneurship at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, and RTU Rezekne Academy of Technologies. At the same time, Sanita Lasmane has already completed her theoretical studies in this program and is preparing to obtain her doctoral degree at the end of this year. The title of Sanita Lasmane's doctoral thesis is Analysis and Modelling of Factors Affecting the Latvian Labour Market, while Zane Zonberga is working on a doctoral thesis on The Impact of Human Capital Development on Organisational Performance in Latvia, which is related to the theme of this project. In addition to the two young researchers, the project team at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences also includes the project's scientific director, Professor Una Libkovska, Associate Professor Liene Resele-Dūšele, and coordinator Linda Ūdre. "I can try to explain the project's goal in the simplest way possible with an example: a person acquired a certain level of education, technical knowledge, and digital skills five or ten years ago, but now this knowledge has very little value in the labor market due to rapid digitization, technological development, and automation," says Zane Zonberga. "Many jobs are at risk because employees are simply unable to keep up with these trends. In our project, we aim to demonstrate that adult education is not only essential for the population but also crucial for companies to thrive and compete globally. We strive to offer companies and government institutions the opportunity to evaluate the practical application of knowledge, assessing whether the learning process meets their quality standards and whether it will benefit their employees. The project also emphasizes the role of professional development for teachers so that they can provide students and adults with modern, practical knowledge and skills that are relevant to the labour market. Professional development is relevant in almost all professions, but it is particularly appropriate for those working in fields where digitization, automation, artificial intelligence technologies, etc., are rapidly advancing. For example, customer support specialists whose work is being replaced by artificial intelligence chatbots, or warehouse workers whose tasks are being taken over by automated lines. More generally, this also applies to employees in any industry who acquired technical or digital skills five or ten years ago. From interviews to cooperation solutions The project is divided into five task packages, which involve both data collection and analysis. One of the tasks of the researchers at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, together with their project partners, was to analyze 14 focus group interviews conducted with industry representatives, expert councils, government and educational institutions, and other target groups. The interviews are transcribed, coded and analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition, researchers at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences have assessed the contribution to human capital development, including adult vocational education and professional development, and its impact on the Latvian economy and economic development. Theoretical reviews of the effects of human capital development on the development of the national economy and the characteristics of instruments for measuring the effectiveness of the transfer of professional development into practice have also been carried out. Researcher Sanita Lasmane reveals that, before her involvement in this project, she had worked mainly with quantitative research methods, which focus on the collection and analysis of numerical data. "This project focuses more on qualitative research methods, which are used to study something difficult to measure in numbers, such as people's attitudes and opinions on a particular issue. Qualitative research methods require a greater ability to delve into context and interpret nuances, which has personally allowed me to broaden my research horizons and become more versatile," Sanita Lasmane shared her experience. One of the main objectives of the project is to develop a practical tool that would help assess the effectiveness of transferring knowledge gained through adult professional development into practice. This tool would enable companies and government institutions to determine whether the training provided equips employees with the necessary skills and is applicable in the job market. In the long term, the project's desired outcome would be closer and better cooperation between educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and government agencies, with company representatives actively involved as guest lecturers, telling students about real problems and needs in the job market. The offer is there, but information is lacking Zane Zonberga shared one of her observations from the research process, acknowledging that "There is fragmentation in communication between the institutions involved – employees, employers, local governments, the state, and, accordingly, educational institutions and state-level institutions. Fragmented communication between these parties has created obstacles to better cooperation." She emphasizes the importance of employers identifying their employees' needs, but notes that some companies struggle to do so effectively without consuming excessive human resources time. It is in the interest of local governments to ensure that companies in their municipalities have the opportunity to develop and provide support as needed. The industry expert council is responsible for obtaining information about the needs of all industries – the knowledge, skills and competencies that need to be developed. The state is responsible for providing not only projects, but also further professional development courses, training, etc., which would be offered to both industries and residents. Zane Zonberga cites the example of the courses provided by the State Employment Agency, emphasizing: "After communicating with entrepreneurs and industry representatives, it was concluded that this offer, which usually comes from the state, does not always match the knowledge, skills or competencies they need. Similarly, various projects are currently challenging for a specific company to implement, as they often do not meet one or two criteria and are therefore not eligible for funding. These communication issues need to be resolved so that all parties understand what is needed and how to implement it." Zane Zonberga acknowledges that the current range of professional development opportunities is sufficient. Still, some shortcomings need to be addressed: "I would say that the range of professional development opportunities as such is sufficient, but at the moment the public is not sufficiently informed about the possibilities." For example, at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, anyone who is interested can take courses and earn credits for a fee, receiving a certificate upon completion. This can be done over several years, combining work with study and gradually acquiring knowledge. Similar offers are also available at other educational institutions and lifelong learning centres, including free courses, but their availability often depends on the initiative of the teachers themselves. Sanita Lasmane highlights the inequality between regions: "Opportunities exist, but they are mainly concentrated in the more economically developed areas. The biggest structural gaps in the labor market are precisely in the regions where professional development opportunities are much more limited." Zane Zonberga agrees: "There are many more opportunities for professional development in Riga, and they are more diverse. For example, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences is unable to provide professional development in medicine, but such opportunities are available in Riga." Cooperation with entrepreneurs must be expanded. The researchers particularly emphasize the importance of cooperation with businesses. Ventspils University currently cooperates with Bucher Municipal, where, in addition to the scholarship, students are also provided with the opportunity to gain experience at the company by familiarizing themselves with all work processes: "I think it is necessary to establish broader cooperation so that it is not just two or three companies and so that entrepreneurs themselves want to give guest lectures to students on current labor market issues. Ventspils University is already succeeding in this because some of the representatives of Ventspils companies are graduates of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, and better communication has been established with them, so their desire to get involved in the process is noticeable," says Zane Zonberga. " Ventspils University of Applied Sciences already attracts various industry experts and company representatives for guest lectures and practical classes, but I believe that cooperation should be even broader." The project Development of Evidence-Based Solutions for Effective Professional Competence Improvement for Adults and Assessment of the Transfer of Results into Practice in Latvia was launched in December 2023 and is scheduled to be completed in December 2026. The results of the project will be used in dialogue with the Ministry of Education and Science, which is the primary end user and client of the project. Source: https://www.ventasbalss.lv/zinas/izglitiba/52693-kad-zinasanas-noveco-petijuma-mekle-risinajumus-efektivai-muzizglitibai Photo: Krists Kūla

Una Libkovska, professor at the Faculty of Economics and Management at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and lead researcher for the national research program 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 " (VPP-IZM-Education-2023/4-001), participated in the international multidisciplinary scientific conference "XXVth International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying, Geology and Mining, Ecology and Management - SGEM2025", which took place from June 28 to July 7 in Albena Varna, Bulgaria. Ventspils University of Applied Sciences professor Una Libkovska participated in the international multidisciplinary scientific conference SGEM2025, where she presented data obtained in the project's research on the importance of human capital development in the sustainable growth of an organization. In her presentation, the professor paid special attention to the role of professional development in a dynamic labor market and emphasized that investment in human capital is an essential factor in promoting innovation and strengthening competitiveness at both the local and international levels. The presentation sparked interest and scientific discussion about future directions for sustainable organizational development. This year marked the 25th edition of the conference, with a special focus on international cooperation and the presentation of scientific achievements. SGEM2025 brought together more than 450 participants from 26 countries around the world, covering a wide range of research areas. Participants had the opportunity to take part in 78 thematic sections, workshops and scientific discussions, discussing the most pressing challenges in promoting sustainability in national economic growth. Participation in the conference confirms the quality of research at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. It encourages its recognition in the international scientific community, contributing to the strengthening of academic excellence and global competitiveness in science. 

Researchers from the national research program project “Developing Evidence-Based Solutions for Effective Adult Professional Competence Improvement and Evaluating the Transfer of Results into Practice in Latvia” (VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-000) participated in an international program held at the University at Buffalo, USA. From April 26 to May 3, Professor Una Libkovska from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) and Professor Inese Lūsēna-Ezera, lead researcher of the project from Liepāja Academy of RTU, participated in an international academic staff exchange visit. During the visit, participants were introduced to collaboration initiatives between Latvian partners and the University at Buffalo, presented under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Jessica Svenson. The visit included an introduction to the university’s infrastructure, meetings with faculty members, attendance at study program sessions and teaching seminars, and networking with partners. In line with the goals of the visit, a structured discussion was held on best practices in higher education, along with focus group interviews with faculty and researchers on integrating sustainability principles into university teaching and management processes. The Latvian partners also visited laboratories and sustainability initiative sites at the University at Buffalo, where they learned about current development strategies and future projects. They had the opportunity to attend master 's-level course sessions and engage in discussions on the implementation and promotion of sustainability principles within study programs. The international experience program included participation from researchers, early-career scientists, and doctoral students from various Latvian higher education institutions, including Džeina Kleina-Šnipke, a doctoral student from the Faculty of Economics and Management at VUAS.

Researchers of the National Research Programme project "Development of Evidence-Based Solutions for the Effective Improvement of Adult Professional Competence and the Evaluation of Their Transfer into Practice in Latvia" (VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-000) are actively participating in professional development activities. In April 2025, Professor Una Libkovska from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) and Professor Inese Lūsēna-Ezera from the RTU Liepāja Academy participated in the international seminar "Applying the Problem-Based Learning Approach in Higher Education," organized by Aalborg University in Denmark. The seminar focused particularly on the development and enhancement of professional skills in line with the current labor market demands. It highlighted Aalborg University's experience in implementing problem-based learning (PBL) models across engineering, the humanities, and the social sciences to ensure the effective acquisition of professional knowledge and skills. Special emphasis was placed on the student preparation and assessment process, underlining the importance of structuring the study process in a way that ensures the acquired knowledge and skills align with professional standards and promote students' successful integration into the labor market.  Aalborg University is recognised as a pioneer of the problem-based learning approach. The PBL model is integrated into all levels of study programs, supporting the acquisition of professional competencies. The seminar brought together participants from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, the United States, Lebanon, and other countries, providing a broad perspective on implementing PBL across different national contexts.

Dr. sc. administr. Liene Resele-Dūšele, a researcher for the project under the National Research Program “Education”, participated in the 49th Scientific Research Conference for Latvian Students on April 25, 2025. She evaluated the work of young researchers and provided recommendations for improving their research skills.  At the national level, 466 students from 89 educational institutions across Latvia presented 400 scientific research projects in six fields of science: Natural sciences Social sciences Humanities and arts Medicine and health sciences Engineering and technology Agricultural, forestry, and veterinary sciences

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences professor and lead researcher of the National Research Programme (VPP), Una Libkovska, shared her experience at a meeting with residents of the Ventspils municipality, organised by Latvian Academy of Sciences academician Baiba Rivža, titled "The Modern Student: Lifelong Learning." On March 18, 2025, Professor Una Libkovska of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, the lead researcher of the National Research Programme project "Development of Evidence-Based Solutions for Effective Adult Professional Competence Improvement and Evaluation of Practical Transfer in Latvia," participated in a discussion organised by Academician Baiba Rivža of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. The meeting with residents of the Ventspils region focused on the significance of education and factors influencing professional development. The event offered an opportunity to share experiences, including insights and best practice examples from the National Research Programme project in implementing lifelong professional development.

Within the framework of the project "Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence among adults and the assessment of the transfer of its results into practice in Latvia" (VPP-IZM-Education-2023/4-0001), two doctoral theses are also being developed at Ventspils University of Applied sciences, and it is planned that one of the doctoral theses, "Analysis and modelling of factors influencing the Latvian labour market", written by Sanita Lasmane, guest lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Management at Ventspils University of Applied sciences and doctoral candidate in the joint doctoral program "Economics and Entrepreneurship", will be submitted in the fall to the joint doctoral council of Ventspils University of Applied sciences, Vidzeme University of Applied sciences, and RTU Rēzekne.

The State Research Programs "Education" project No. VPP-IZM-Izglītība-2023/4-0001 "Development of evidence-based solutions for the effective improvement of professional competence of adults and the transfer of its results to practice in Latvia" lead researcher Dr. paed. Sanita Baranova (University of Latvia), Dr. sc. administr. Inese Lūsēna-Ezera (RTU Liepāja), Dr. sc. adminr. Una Libkovska (Ventspils University of Applied Sciences), Dr. sc. administr. Liene Resele (Ventspils University of Applied Sciences) on 8 and 9 April 2024 participated in the seminar "Tailored training on Counterfactual Impact Evaluation of education policies" organized by the Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with the European Commission's Joint Research Centre Learning Lab. The Learning Lab's work is about encouraging a learning culture in the EU to strengthen Member States' capacity to develop evidence and research-based policies and to evaluate the results of the education policies they put in place.The Learning Lab supports policy makers and evaluators with knowledge, tools, methods and resources for effective evaluation of the impact of education policies, taking into account the needs of national, regional and local communities, and promotes an evidence-based approach to education policy development and implementation. The event brought together policy planners, enforcers and data analysts from various state institutions, as well as researchers from universities.The aim of the seminar was to enhance participants' understanding of different methods for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of education policies, using research-based evidence to ensure a contribution to quality education. It was very useful that the research methods were described in the context of case studies, including examples of issues in the Latvian education system. The participants were able to further develop their understanding of research methodologies through discussions and group work on impact evaluation of adult learning in Latvia. At the end of the seminar, RTU Liepāja professor Inese Lūsēna-Ezera noted that "although the main target audience of the seminar were education policy planners, researchers also gained valuable insights into methodologically different approaches to using counterfactual impact evaluations for more effective education policy planning and evaluation. The seminar highlighted the importance of both data quality and indicators for assessing policy impact, with a particular emphasis on identifying indicators at an early stage in the education reform planning process. The concepts of causality and correlation in the context of evaluating policy effectiveness were also given significant attention". The lessons learned from the seminar on approaches and methods for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of education policies have been discussed by the project team in the research groups and examples of methodology will be useful for in-depth analysis when planning the empirical research phase of the project.