Transforming doctoral education and academic careers in Latvia 

The European Commission is supporting Latvian authorities and higher education stakeholders as they implement a reimagined doctoral education and academic careers framework during a time of profound transformation of the higher education system.

Context

Latvia has struggled to build capacity to perform research and contribute to innovation because of the low share of doctorate holders in the population, an ageing academic workforce and relatively unattractive conditions of employment in its higher education and science sectors. In response, Latvia is reforming its academic career framework, including key aspects of its system of doctoral education, to build and secure its future supply of human resources for research. This project provides expertise and guidance to higher education institutions, supporting reform implementation and driving qualitative changes and complementing the planned reforms and investments for higher education in Latvia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Support delivered

The project, implemented by the OECD in collaboration with the Latvian authorities and the European Commission, provides several qualitative supports during this important period of reform in Latvia. In 2024, activities included research and analysis, a roadmap proposal, monitoring reform progress through site visits, interviews and a survey, and providing feedback on readiness for implementation. In 2025, focus has shifted to developing a sustainable Community of Practice as a vehicle for the sector to exchange knowledge and practice on reform development. The project integrates an international perspective, providing regular opportunities for discussion between Latvian higher education practitioners and policymakers, peer countries and international experts on pressing issues related to doctoral education and academic careers.  

Results achieved

Activities to date have supported effective reform implementation by enabling stakeholders and practitioners to engage with experts and peers on key challenges; and, drawing on a survey that received over 500 responses, providing feedback on first-hand experiences of doctoral education and academic careers within institutions. Capacity will be further enhanced with the establishment of the Community of Practice and the provision of tailored advisory sessions designed to address specific identified needs. The Community of Practice is intended to outlast the project, offering a new framework for knowledge exchange and improving practices on academic staff issues in Latvia.