Development In Latvia Research Articles

Possibilities for Utilization of Solar Thermal Energy in Multi-Family Buildings in Latvia

Possibilities for Utilization of Solar Thermal Energy in Multi-Family Buildings in LatviaThe paper is focused on analysis of the current situation for the solar thermal system market in Latvia. Solar energy potential and solar thermal market development in Latvia is compared with those in the countries, where solar irradiation is equivalent to that of the Latvian climate.This research also includes a description of the solar and pellet combisystem installed for a demonstration pilot project; the main parameters of this system are identified and the performance data for the first month of operations is analysed.An economic analysis for different heat supply scenarios from simulation data and real performance of the system is shown.

Understanding entrepreneurship development in Latvia: a cross-disciplinary approach

This paper analyses economic and educational challenges on the way of understanding and formation of entrepreneurship in Latvia in its almost 20-year long post socialistic period. Along with the state support programmes for small business development, entrepreneurship as a new concept is researched integrating as well the world experience in this field. It is shown that entrepreneurship is a dynamic system of the components determined in mixed methods research. The elaborated holistic functional-structural model of entrepreneurship illustrates that entrepreneurship can be developed holistically as a system when students identify, generate and realise opportunities into new personal, social or economic values not only in the context of specialised entrepreneurial disciplines, but within a wide range of disciplines in the unity of theory and practice.

Латвия: 20 лет упущенных возможностей

The article provides an analysis of the economic development of Latvia over the past 10 year. The achievements and challenges faced by the country during this period are highlighted. The author concludes that a necessary prerequisite for improving difficult economic situation in Latvia is a revival of normal business relations with Russia.

ANALYSIS OF LATGALE REGION COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES CAPITAL AND ITS REPAYMENT

Latgale has always been the weakest region in regard to the development of Latvia. Even though in the National development plans the progress in the balanced course of the development process all over the territory of Latvia is envisaged, the lagging of Latgale will grow. The given situation is not acceptable not only from the perspective of Latvia but also from the viewpoint of the whole European Union. Latgale would be able to make a more rapid progress in its development if we took into consideration the significance of investing large amounts of capital therein and raising the capital return. The article is dedicated to the analysis of capital dynamics, structure, and economic efficiency in order to clarify the causes of slow capital “inflow” in Latgale.

Business functions approach to innovative and non-innovative business comparison in Latvia

State system of innovative business support was created in Latvia during last years and the first conclusions about the efficiency of this system can be made at present time. To evaluate the efficiency of innovative business support system it is necessary to compare in some way innovative and non-innovative companies. The main task of this article is to provide the frame for innovative and non-innovative business comparison and describe on the base of this frame the main differences between innovative and non-innovative companies in Latvia at present time. The main result of investigation is the conclusion that at present time innovative business has certain advantages for development in Latvia, especially in regions, because the main weak point of innovative business - high risk - is oppressed by general business risk growing due to economic crisis.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES IN LATVIA

Thanks to achieved productive collaboration of the highest level government institutions with the academic community experts, a national strategic planning system is shaping that is very significant for further development of Latvia. General principles of the system have been approved by the Law on Development Planning System. The conceptual document A Growth Model for Latvia: People First defines a knowledge‐based human‐centred development scenario. The National Development Plan has been approved as a mid‐term programme for implementation of the Model. To monitor progress towards the goal an integrated quantified quality of life index was developed; the index includes priorities essential for Latvia's population and it is based on objective statistical data. Polycentric development and strong cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region are priorities among strategic tasks that have been outlined to realize the growth. But the current two‐faced EU model cannot be evaluated as the most optimum and beneficial for development of Latvia as well as other EU Member States.

Higher Education for the Development of Latvia

Introduction One of the preconditions for successful development of Latvia and competitive growth of its national economy is an appropriately functioning system of higher education. Aim of the Study To update the most significant tasks and activities of the contemporary higher education institutions in Latvia within the context of the country’s competitiveness. Materials and Methods In the study, the author analyses theoretical sources, normative acts, research data on the conformity of the development of higher education with the needs of the national economy. Results The author characterises the support from the government and EU structural funds for the implementation of higher education growth possibilities for 2007-2013. Conclusions The enabling objectives include: elaboration and implementation of a modern legal framework; development and implementation of an array of flexible study programmes meeting the national and international standards; effective utilisation of the possibilities given by lifelong learning and further education; securing of an offer of study programmes matching the needs of the national economy.

Efficiency of European Funds in the Accession Countries: The Case of Transport Infrastructure Investments in Latvia

ABSTRACT A transport initiative, like any kind of public action, has an impact on the monetary cost, time cost, efficiency and comfort of the transportation of goods and people, in particular transport infrastructure investments. All such initiatives are subject to cost benefit analyses at the national and EU level to know whether the present value of total net benefits including environmental impacts exceeds their cost. However, several important policy issues remain unresolved in standard evaluation procedures. One issue is whether the so-called direct measurement of user benefit, which consists of quantifying changes in surplus of the users of the transport system, captures all welfare generated in the economy. Another issue is how the gains (or possibly losses) of a transport initiative are distributed among regions. The aim of this article is to perform a systematic and quantitative analysis of the socio-economic and spatial impacts of alternative transport investments by carrying out scenario simulations in order to improve the understanding of the impact of transportation policies on the short- and long-term spatial development in Latvia. The general result from the scenario simulations is that rail projects seem to be more effective in terms of promoting regional economic activity than road projects.

Rurality as a Created Field: Towards an Integrated Rural Development in Latvia?

The article looks at the post‐socialist countryside as a created field constructed through the discourses and practices of different actors. Despite the fact that small‐scale holdings are the major outcome of agricultural reform, and subsistence oriented farmers constitute the bulk of the rural population, there are a variety of other actors in the new Latvian countryside. Their interests are reflected in three competing approaches to rural development: the small farmer approach, the liberal economic approach and the integrated development approach. Although it is not yet clear which strategy will take the lead, the article argues for policies in favour of varied rural actors, the strengthening of rural development support institutions, the efficient use of EU pre‐structural funds assistance, and local society participation.

Soviet Influences on Latvian Attitudes Toward Information Technology

As the countries of Eastern Europe and the Baltic region move from centrally planned economies to market-oriented systems, their information system structures are undergoing radical transformations. Under the Soviet economic and management model the free flow, or sharing of information, existed only when it served the purpose to shape society and even then it was subject to distortions and fabrication. Individual initiatives, risk-taking, and the embracing of technology change were not encouraged. Those individuals who grew up and worked under this type of model have a frame of reference that influences their participation in the emerging economies and information technologies of the region. This paper examines the developing information technologies and transformations in one former Soviet controlled country, Latvia. It considers how the Soviet economic and management model has influenced information system development in Latvia. Such influences need to be understood by Western firms entering into joint ventures, not only in Latvia, but also in other former Soviet-controlled countries.

The sovereignty factor in the economic development of Latvia

The sovereignty factor in the economic development of Latvia

Hydroelectric development in Latvia

Hydroelectric development in Latvia