Factors affecting the development of the Bioeconomy in Latvia

In the European Union, including Latvia, the development of the bioeconomy by exploiting the potential of research, innovation and knowledge transfer is considered to be the basis for economic growth. The research aims to assess the drivers of and barriers to bioeconomic development in Latvia and define actions facilitating the development of the national bioeconomy. The present research employed mostly SWOT analysis in combination with expert judgement. The research concluded that the overall trend in the following strengths of the bioeconomy: Research infrastructure and modern technical equipment for the development of the bioeconomic knowledge base (3S) and Vast regional coverage of and cooperation among leading research institutions in the field of bioeconomics (1S) was negative, as the total impact of the threats exceeded the total impact of the opportunities. However, the overall trend in the strength Extensive initial activities and the knowledge base for bioeconomic research (2S) was positive, as the total impact of the opportunities exceeded the total impact of the threats. The total impact of exogenous factors on the weaknesses in the development of the bioeconomy was positive; therefore, the total impact of exogenous factors tended to weaken the weaknesses. Since the largest positive impacts on endogenous factors were made by the following opportunities: Effective support for independent innovation projects implemented by large companies (3O) and Stimulation of innovation in the small and medium enterprise sector in active synergy with national research priorities and available funding (2IO), it is necessary to increase government and private sector funding for R&D in order to contribute to the development of the bioeconomy in Latvia. The availability of funding should be balanced and predictable in the long term to reduce the impact of the threat Public policies and insufficient and unpredictable funding for research and development hinder the development of bioeconomy industries and steady growth opportunities (2T). To encourage the business sector to invest in R&D, including in the bioeconomy industries, public support and various incentives for entrepreneurs are needed.

Environmental investment governance in Latvia: planning process and decision-making framework development

Applying governance process cycle steps model (5P model), the study focuses on the national environmental investment governance process by structuring and characterizing, particularly, investment planning process, including the integrative in-depth analysis of investment thematic content and framework (inextricably linked to the sectorial needs). Investment allocation is the governance instrument to be especially emphasized as being also necessary for the eventual implementation of all other governance instruments (such as infrastructure or communication ones), which all need financial support for their development, implementation or innovation. The study includes the investment instrument selection analysis at the policy planning stage for the most efficient investment and all sectorial policies implementation in order to reach the defined environmental governance goals. The study is practice-based research with elements of the participatory action research. Study is currently also topical since national investment planning process and final document is in the development process, detecting the main fields of investment in Latvia for the next 8 years. The structure and specifics of the planning stages of environmental investment governance process were identified along with related deficiencies and improvement needs, and, there were developed structured decision-making frame recommendation, based on the three main factors and subsequent set of complementary aspects identified as necessary required assistance to decide on the investment allocations.

Integrated farming: the way to sustainable agriculture in Latvia

Agricultural production is currently at a crossroads due to the need to balance the requirements of climate, biodiversity, air quality, and access to food health, farmers' incomes and economic conditions. These demands are often controversial, and the goals of policy makers are contradictory. Sustainability in agriculture needs to be put into practice. The concept of sustainable agriculture is based on agro-ecology and a system approach and aims to promote sustainable, resilient, cost-effective and stable farming systems. Based on the analysis of the scientific literature and the current situation, the paper authors have concluded that a logical path to sustainability is integrated agriculture. It is a whole farm management system that allows farmers to identify opportunities and threats and act accordingly, while also taking into account the interests of consumers in their business. The paper aims to outline the role of integrated agriculture in the development of sustainable agriculture based on the analysis of the relevant scientific literature and the current situation. Integrated management is the knowledge-based management of all available resources integrated farms are able to provide climate benefits, provide more diverse (especially pasture) land management, farm animals have a higher quality of life and survival.