Human and Social Development
Research and Development

Higher education institutions in Latvia (students and academic staff)

Enhancement of higher education and science systems is considered as a priority for the recovery of national economy in Latvia, a country that has no natural resources but intellectual values. Therefore, Latvia is simultaneously working on promoting new technologies and products, creating environment for innovative activities, stimulating growth of intellectual potential for scientific work and encouraging young people to take up research careers thus enhancing the Baltic Education Area. Since Switzerland is internationally recognized for its higher education system in science, technology and research, Switzerland is requested to bring in fresh views and ideas in curricula. The long-term benefit from Project lays in the preparation of qualified specialists that meet the demands and development tendencies of the national economy.

The overall objective of Project is to develop and strengthen the potential of the Latvian higher education institutions through an enhanced access to a high-quality education and research. Through visits of Swiss lecturers to Latvia, the project aims at establishing sustainable partnerships between the higher education and research institutions in Switzerland and Latvia in the form of ongoing contacts and collaboration that will also contribute to improving the curricula.

The programme envisages: 1) organisation of short-term visits of Swiss lecturers to do lecturing in higher education institutions of Latvia; 2) organisation of short-term visits of Swiss researchers to share research experience with Latvian science institutions; and 3) organisation of short-term visits of Swiss academic staff to share their experience in improving curricula.

The expected results are:

• Improved academic standards through visits of up to 45 Swiss lecturers
• Raised competitiveness of up to 30 educational and science institutions
• Up to 30 partnerships and networks established and potential collaboration spheres identified;Up to 10 existing study programmes improved and / or curriculum facilitated.