CONFERENCE
The study will examine both current forms of diaspora investment and the structural barriers hindering diaspora engagement in Latvia’s economic growth. Researchers will also analyze how the diaspora could become a strategic partner in attracting foreign direct investment, advancing innovation, and facilitating knowledge transfer.
“The diaspora is not only a symbol of cultural or emotional belonging. It is also a globally active and economically capable community whose investments can significantly strengthen Latvia’s sustainable development,” emphasizes the head of the study, tenured professor Inta Mieriņa from UL FESS.
Throughout the study, researchers will carry out various research activities, including in-depth interviews with representatives of state and diaspora institutions, entrepreneurs, and experts; a survey of diaspora professionals; as well as focus group discussions with current and potential diaspora investors. The results of the study are expected in November 2025.
The aim of the research is to map the volume, motivation, forms, and barriers of potential diaspora investments, and to develop concrete policy recommendations to stimulate diaspora investment in the future.
Previous studies have highlighted the lack of systematic statistics as a major issue—currently, there is no available data in Latvia that would allow identification of diaspora-related investments. It is also essential to improve access to information, build institutional trust, and develop investment instruments tailored to the diaspora’s specific needs.
The research findings will serve as a basis for developing a new generation of diaspora policy, outlining concrete steps to more effectively engage the diaspora in Latvia’s economic and innovation development.
The UL is a national leader in diaspora, migration, and transnational cooperation research, providing academically grounded solutions to the needs of societal development.
 at the University of Latvia (UL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is launching an interdisciplinary study on the potential economic contributions and investment capacity of the Latvian diaspora. This is the first research of its scale aimed at establishing a data- and evidence-based foundation for a long-term diaspora investment policy in Latvia.){kind=link}