“Amid rapid technological and economic change, the education system must be both resilient and adaptable. We must make sound decisions today in order to strengthen the quality of education, ensure the meaningful use of technology, and develop the skills required for the society of the future. The forum LU-EDU-2026 provides a valuable platform for seeking the most effective solutions for the development of education in Latvia through informed and collaborative discussion,” said Dace Melbārde, Minister for Education and Science.
Professionals in the field of education, education policy-makers and implementers, as well as all those concerned with developments within the education system, are invited to participate in the forum.
“Higher education today faces several interrelated challenges that must be addressed simultaneously – growing international competition, the rapid impact of technology and artificial intelligence, as well as the need to reduce system fragmentation and strengthen links with the labour market. UL must therefore act as a driver of change, enhancing the quality and international competitiveness of higher education, fostering closer collaboration with business and the innovation ecosystem, as well as developing a flexible, digitally robust study provision aligned with the needs of the future,” emphasised Professor Gundars Bērziņš, Rector of the University of Latvia.
The discussions will bring together leading experts in education, innovation, and research from a number of internationally recognised institutions, representing both the academic community and the fields of policy-making and innovation development, alongside the specialists of UL.
“Many countries around the world are currently navigating the dilemma of how to adapt their education systems to rapidly changing conditions. By establishing such a forum, the University aims to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and perspectives grounded in academic research, bringing together education professionals, researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners. The forum will offer an international and interdisciplinary outlook and provide opportunities for the development of new collaborative networks to address pressing issues within the education system,” outlined Professor Kristīne Strada-Rozenberga, Vice-Rector for Studies at UL.
The theme of this year’s forum is “Scenarios for the Development of the Education System”. During the event, experts and opinion leaders from Latvia and abroad will discuss the benefits and challenges of various development scenarios across three thematic areas:
- Transforming the Architecture of the Education System – Towards Personalized Solutions
- Interdisciplinary Learning – A Gain or Loss of Competence?
- Educational Technologies and Learning – How to Use Them Wisely? – organised in cooperation with the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO
At the forum, UNESCO will be represented by futures of education specialist Mark West. His work focuses on how digital innovation, including artificial intelligence, influences the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of education, as well as on how countries can develop safe and inclusive digital learning systems.
Tracey Burns, Director of Global Strategy and Research at the National Center on Education and the Economy (USA), analyses international trends in education and systemic transformation. Her work places particular emphasis on the transition towards more flexible learning systems, in which education becomes increasingly personalised, interdisciplinary, and more closely aligned with labour market needs.
The University of Twente (Netherlands) will be represented by two experts. Stefan Kooij, Associate Professor and Director of the Applied Physics programme, will offer insights into educational innovation and interdisciplinarity within the study process. Also in attendance will be Sonja Borst, an education consultant who works on the development of teaching and learning processes and institutional change, and promotes the implementation of innovative approaches in higher education.
Finland will be represented by Otto Olavinen, an expert in innovation ecosystems at Aalto University. His work focuses on the development of research-based start-ups, design thinking, and innovation in health technologies. His experience encompasses interdisciplinary collaboration between academia, industry, and investors, fostering the transformation of ideas into practical solutions.
A new approach to higher education will be outlined by Ed Fidoe, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the London Interdisciplinary School (United Kingdom). The institution he leads develops study programmes oriented towards solving real-world, complex problems, moving beyond the boundaries of traditional disciplines and emphasising the importance of interdisciplinarity and practical skills. He will also highlight the role of higher education in the broader development of the education system.
The working languages of the forum will be Latvian and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided. Participation in the event is free of charge. Registration for the University of Latvia Education Innovation Forum “LU-EDU-2026: Scenarios for the Development of the Education System” is available via the University of Latvia website.
The Education Innovation Forum is one of the activities implemented within the project “Internal and External Consolidation of the University of Latvia” (No. 5.2.1.1.i.0/2/24/I/CFLA/007), supported by the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
 is establishing a new tradition – annual Education Innovation Forum. The inaugural forum LU-EDU-2026 will take place on 29 April, from 10:00 to 16:30, in the UL Great Hall, Raiņa bulvāris 19, Riga. ){kind=link}