Global competitiveness challenges and solutions to be assessed at the University of Latvia scientific conference

“The role of universities in the world is changing—creating and disseminating knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. This year, with the University of Latvia conference in a new format, we are bringing the University’s contribution to society even closer by presenting, explaining, and discussing the most recent and important topics relevant to Latvia’s development. I invite everyone to submit a paper or take part in the most interdisciplinary and scientifically intensive event of the year at UL!” emphasizes UL Vice-Rector for Research, Assoc. Prof. Guntars Kitenbergs.

Highlighting UL’s role in knowledge creation, societal development, and the development of sustainable solutions, the guiding theme of this year’s scientific conference is “The University of the Future – Impact-Based Leadership.” For the first time, the conference will be held in a new format, structured into nine thematic blocks aligned with UL’s priority research areas, thereby fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and covering the most significant research and innovation fields in the natural sciences and technologies, the humanities, medical and health sciences, as well as the social sciences. This approach ensures a diverse and content-rich programme.

In April, under the leadership of FESS, the event will analyse the key factors influencing the ability of countries and companies to compete in global markets, with a particular focus on innovation, human capital development, and effective public governance in a changing geopolitical environment. The sections will bring together perspectives from policymakers, entrepreneurs and researchers, while also offering concrete practical solutions to enhance competitiveness. This provides an excellent opportunity for faculty members and other UL researchers to present research results and share their latest findings.

The thematic block on strengthening global competitiveness will comprise 9 sections, for which abstracts are invited to be submitted via the UL conference system:

• Various aspects of entrepreneurship and management in strengthening global competitiveness;
• Marketing and innovation for corporate competitiveness and sustainability;
• Sanctions: regulation, implementation, and challenges;
• Circular economy and sustainable development: challenges and future opportunities;
• Media and society in the context of global and local challenges;
• The role of innovation and industrial policy in strengthening competitiveness;
• Public sector governance and reforms for national competitiveness;
• The impact of global developments on the communication of contested cultural heritage;
• Resilience in a changing security environment: strengthening the capacities of society, institutions, and the state.

Participants in the plenary session of the global competitiveness thematic track, “Latvia’s Long-Term Development Strategic Framework,” will discuss the LV2050 strategy framework developed by FESS researchers. In addition to the presentation of results from the project “Vision for National Development up to 2050: Assessment of Latvia’s Development Vectors up to 2050 and Development of Scenarios,” implemented under the leadership of Prof. Gundars Bērziņš by the FESS Productivity Scientific Institute “UL Think Tank LV PEAK,” two roundtable discussions are planned during the plenary session: “People, Welfare, Economy” and “New Challenges.”