International Summer School "Contemporary Baltic capitals: New Business Opportunities"

The objectives of the program were to introduce participants with the business environment in Latvia, to show successful business stories that have passed the test of time as well as brand new companies, which have entered in Latvian and foreign markets with innovative and interesting products and services. This year 9 participants took part in the Summer School from such countries as USA, Canada, Singapore and France. The Summer School participants attended lectures and visited different Latvian companies. The lectures gave an opportunity to gain knowledge about the business environment in Latvia from the theoretical aspect, the impact of different cultures on the business environment, the development of tourism and the political situation in Latvia. The participants have evaluated that the most interesting lectures were about the  impact of different cultures on the business environment, tourism and political situation in Latvia. We express our gratitude to the Summer School lecturers: Inese Runce (UL FH), Kristīne Berziņa (UL FEM), Ilona Baumane - Vītoliņa (UL FEM), Ivars Ījabs (UL FSS) and Helena Piel "Open Business School."

Between the lectures participants visited various companies, where they had an opportunity to get to know the practical side of business environment in Latvia. During the visits to companies participants met the company representatives and asked questions about the company’s development, idea, and difficulties they encountered when establishing a business and difficulties they face running now, business plans for the future and directions of the development. In total there were six study visits to companies.  Participants highlighted the visit to Ltd. “Ērenpreiss Original”, during which they got to know the history of manufacture of bicycles in Latvia, and how the great-grandson of Gustavs Ērenpreiss brother - Toms Ērenpreiss has resumed work on the bicycle manufacturing and restoration of old bicycles. Participants also highly evaluated the visits to travel agency "Avanti", companies - „Olainfarm", "Organic Eco", "Elko Group" and the hotel "Neiburgs”. Many thanks to company representatives for the interesting stories and provided information.

Within the program of the Summer School, participants also were introduced with the history of Riga and Latvia. They had a walking tour and a bike ride through the streets of Riga together with representative of Ltd. "KLING". At the end of the Summer School participants went on a short trip to Jurmala to enjoy the sun and refreshment of the Baltic Sea.

Till the summer 2014.