Networking Meeting of Representatives of Latvian Higher Education Alliances Held at the Latvian Academy of Culture
On 2 October 2025, representatives of Latvian higher education institutions involved in European University Alliances gathered at the Latvian Academy of Culture’s Gara māja to share experiences and discuss current issues related to the implementation of alliance projects. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation among Latvian universities, review existing practices, and identify ways to integrate alliance activities more effectively into institutional strategies.
The meeting brought together representatives from the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Daugavpils University, the Latvian Academy of Culture, as well as from the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the State Education Development Agency. Among the participants were alliance coordinators, project managers, and communication specialists who are actively involved in implementing various alliance initiatives and projects.
Discussions addressed both practical and strategic issues, ranging from the legal status of alliances and digital environment solutions to mobility programmes, budget planning, and business engagement. Participants unanimously recognised that participation in European University Alliances significantly strengthens universities’ international reputation, fosters new forms of cooperation, and provides access to broader research resources, while also enabling smaller regional universities to compete with larger partners. The benefits of short-term mobilities were particularly highlighted, as they facilitate the alignment of content and activities across institutions and enable the rapid transfer and adaptation of best practices from other European contexts.
At the same time, participants highlighted several challenges related to staff workload, differing national funding mechanisms, business engagement in joint projects, and intercultural communication. The discussions revealed that similar difficulties are faced by all alliances, and that part of the activities are implemented through additional co-funding, as the core project budget does not cover all planned actions. Participants agreed that such meetings are particularly valuable as they provide an opportunity to share experiences, identify practical solutions, and work together towards stronger national-level support.
The representatives of Latvian university alliances agreed to continue their collaboration through regular meetings – including an online discussion planned for early next year and an in-person gathering in spring 2026 at Daugavpils University.
Text prepared by
Aija Lūse
Communication Expert, European University Alliance ACE²-EU
