Students from third countries are becoming an increasingly significant part of Latvia’s universities and labour market. The conference organized by the NGO "BrainGain Latvia" invites discussion on how this potential can be used for the country’s development.
PROGRAM
9.00
Arrival and registration
9.30
Opening address
9.45
Keynote
10.20
Presentation of research
11.00
Discussion: Talent attraction – who does Latvia want?
12.00
Discussion: Why do graduates leave?
13.00
Coffee break
13.30
Discussion: How can Latvia attract and retain the best?
14.30
Conclusion
About the Project
Project Retention of International Students in Latvia is implemented with the support of the Society Integration Foundation (SIF) to help the most ambitious international students remain in Latvia after graduation and integrate into the labour market, contributing to the local economy and entrepreneurship. The project aims to develop practical recommendations for targeted and smart attraction and retention of foreign talent.Within the project, together with the Baltic International Centre for Economic Policy Studies (BICEPS), an extensive study has been carried out on the experiences of international students and graduates in Latvia, identifying the key factors that influence their decision to stay or leave after completing their studies. The results of the study offer recommendations for universities, employers, and policymakers on how to promote the integration and retention of these students in Latvia.The project’s lead researcher is SSE Riga Associate Professor Zane Vārpiņa.
Organizers
The association BrainGain Latvia brings together people who have lived or worked abroad and now strengthen Latvian society with their experience. The NGO implements projects that promote the return of talented people to Latvia, the integration of qualified professionals into the local community, as well as cooperation between local and international organizations and the diaspora.We believe that attracting talented people and knowledge to Latvia, and involving them in society, is a key driver of future growth and an important factor for long-term success.
