III International Economic Forum

BUSINESS SUPPORT: Critical Points, Science-Based Solutions,

International Cooperation

Program & Abstracts Book

Riga 2019

AGENDA

October 31, 2019, THURSDAY

09.00 - 10.00 Registration & Early Morning Coffee

10.00 - 11.00 OPENING CEREMONY • Musical Performance • Address of the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Professor Dr. OJĀRS SPĀRĪTIS • Address of the Member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament, Professor Dr. INESE VAIDERE • Address of the Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Mr. RALFS NEMIRO • Address of the Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia Mrs. RAMONA PETRAVIČA • Address of the Advisor to the Minister of Finance Mr. INTS DĀLDERIS • Address of the Secretary of the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Mr. ARMANDS KRAUZE • Address of the President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS • Address on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences of the Deputy Director General, Institute of European Studies, Executive President and Managing Director Dr. CHEN XIN

Host Moderator: Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, Dr. NINA LINDE

11.00 - 12.30 PLENARY SESSION • MOBILE BIG DATA FOR DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: POTENTIAL & REALITY (Speaker: Professor, Dr. JURIS BINDE, President of the “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons”, Vice-President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA) • REALISATION OF PERSONAL GAIN AS A GUARANTEE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT SYSTEM (Speaker: M.Sc. PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY) • BUSINESS SUPPORT IN LATVIA: PERSONAL VIEW OF AN ENTREPRENEUR (Speaker: Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA / LATVIA)

12.30 - 13.30 Lunch Break, B2B , B2S and S2S meetings

13.30 - 15.00 PLENARY SESSION • WHEN SCIENCE MEETS BUSINESS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM IN LATVIA AND LITHUANIA (Speaker: Dr. JĀNIS VANAGS, Professor at Riga Technical University, researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • STATE ECONOMIC SECURITY (Speaker: Mr. ARNOLDS BABRIS, entrepreneur, Chairman of the board of the JSC “Brivais Vilnis”, LATVIA) • HOW TO CREATE THE BEST BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCE COMBINING WITH LATVIAN OPPORTUNITIES (Speaker: Mr. FREDIS BIKOVS, managing director of the “EVRY Latvia”, Chairman of the board of the “ABSL Latvija”, Member of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in LATVIA) • THE NEW ENGINE OF CHINESE ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ASIAN EXPERIENCE (Speaker: Professor PEI CHANGHONG, former director of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA) • THE FINANCIAL SECTOR – HOSTAGE TO THE GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS (Speaker: Mrs. ĻUBOVA ŠVECOVA, Member of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, former deputy director of the Financial Police Directorate of the State Revenue Service and head of the investigation department, LATVIA)

15.00 - 15.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

15.30 - 17.00 Overview discussion with the speakers and experts: Q&A Session Moderator: President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS

17.00 - 17.30 Interactive introduction of Session Moderators for next day of the Forum

17.30 - 18.00 Conclusion and final musical performance, informal discussion

AGENDA

November 1, 2019, FRIDAY

9.00 - 10.00 Registration & Morning Coffee

10.00 - 12.00 PARALLEL SESSIONS I

SESSION I: FINANCIAL MARKET FOR BUSINESSES: SUPPORT OR BARRIERS? Moderators: Dr. oec. JELENA TITKO, Associate Professor at EKA University of Applied Sciences, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. VIKTORS BOLBATS, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • European regulatory policy: effect on businesses • The future of banking under the condition of money laundering • Financial support for Start-ups and SMEs as basis of increase of business • FinTech solutions – what businesses need to know? • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation?

Program: • Banking in the 21st Century (Mr. Viktors Bolbats, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA) • Responsible Business with Quality Investments: what it means and what it needs? (Dr.sc.pol. Inese Stepiņa, Deputy Director of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), LATVIA) • Microfinances for Start-ups and SMEs (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • Latvian Business is in Search for Alternative Finance Schemas (Mr. Sergejs Paramonovs, experience in top management positions at Dental Latvia, SPLAT Trading, Mogotel, LATVIA) • Turiba Business Index (Ph. D. Zane Driņķe, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Turiba University, LATVIA) • FinTech Companies in Latvia: the New Era of the Financial Sector? (Dr.oec., prof. Inna Romānova, Dr.oec., prof. Ramona Rupeika-Apoga, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Investment Solutions for Businesses during Low Interest Rates Era (Dr.oec. Julija Bistrova, CEO at the CE Services, SWITZERLAND/LATVIA) • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation? (Mrs. Dace Helmane, CEO of Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, LATVIA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION II: DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AS EFFICIENT TOOL FOR FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Moderators: Dr. habil. oec. BAIBA RIVZA, Professor and Academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the Head of the state research program’s project INTERFRAME-LV, LATVIA Professor, Dr. SIGNE BĀLIŅA, President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Compliance of the established Network with today's requirements (in the country as a whole and regions) compared to Estonia and Lithuania • Objective factors limiting the use of digital environment in business (financial problems for SMEs, network availability, lack of specialists with appropriate knowledge and skills) • What needs to be solved by public authorities, by business and by employees themselves to improve business environment? • Directions of general education system development during the digitalization • Lifelong learning tasks in the conditions of digitalization of the economic environment

Program: • The Digital Economy and Society Index - Our Challengies (Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, full member of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • Capital Structure Uncovered: is it so different (PhD student Aija Pilvere-Javorska, Dr. oec. prof. Irina Pilvere, Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Specifics of Digitalized Professional Training for Nature-based Micro-entrepreneurs in Central Baltic Area (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Finance Regulators Financing Experience Abroad (Mg.sc.admin. Rita Vanaga, Chief Accountant at Financial and Capital Market Commission, LATVIA) • Digitalization Impact Variations on Content of Higher Economical Education and Life-long Learning (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Experience of Latvia-Estonia: Development of Innovative Solutions for Higher Education Institutions Entrepreneurship Study Programmes – Intensive Training Modules to Create Solutions for Business and Business Environment (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • How Voluntary Pension Savings are Influenced by their Representation on Digital Sales Platforms and Social Media in Latvia compared to Lithuania and Estonia (Mg.sc.admin. Evija Dundure, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Differences in Digitalisation Skills for Female and Male Employees (Bs.admin. Sabīne Anete Vasina, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Business Process Automation of SMEs in the Post-digital Era (Dr.oec. Ilona Dubra, CEO of Jsc. Luxhouse, Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, Computer Science student at University of Latvia and Finance student at BA School of Business and Finance, PricewaterhouseCoopers Latvia Associate in Tax Reporting, Accounting and Strategy, LATVIA)

• Some Challenges for Better Involvement of Socially Excluded Part of Inhabitants into Digitalisation (Mg.sc.admin, Mg.hist. Ginta Tora, Dr.chem. Juris Dzelme, Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Digitalisation Challenges for Households in Regions of Latvia (Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, Mg.sc.admin. Kate Čipāne, Dr.sc.admin. Inga Jēkabsone, Bs.admin. Emīls Volgasts, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Readiness for Digitalisation of Participants of Work-based-learning: Results from Recent Surveys of Employers, Vocational Education Institutions and Students (Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Public Administrations Dialog with Citizens - Opportunities of Digital Environment in Latvia (Mg.soc.sc. Eduards Lielpēters, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • The perspectives on Digital Transformation of Social Business in Belarus (Mr. Oleg Koleda, Head of sector of international competition and economic integration, Institute of economics of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, Coordinator of the National Contact Point (NCP) «Inclusive, innovative and intellectual society» by the program of the EU HORIZON-2020, Halina Matsiushenka, junior researcher, United Institute of informatics problems of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, BELARUS) • Modern Technologies in Use to Facilitate the Repatriation Process (Mrs. Olga Shulzinger, Dr.oec., prof. Ingrīda Jakušonoka, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Evaluation of Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Management of Organic Soils in Agriculture (Ph.D. Ieva Licite, LATVIA) • The Relative Importance of Various Factors that Motivate Socially Responsible Purchases (Mg.sc.admin. Kristīne Casno, Dr.oec. prof. Daina Škiltere, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Innovation and Cooperation in Polycentric Regional Development as a Tool on the way of National Level Prosperity (Mg.sc.admin. Dace Štefenberga, Head of the Department of Development and Science, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Craft Quarter, City Spatial Solution for Business Development (Dr.oec. Andrejs Lazdins, Dr.oec. Liga Jankova, Dr.oec. Aina Dobele, Madara Dobele, LATVIA) • Deprived Areas in the Age of Digitalization (Phd student Mairita Stepina, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies) Venue: Hall on the 2nd Floor (Sēžu zāle)

12.00 - 12.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

12.30 - 14.30 PARALLEL SESSIONS II

SESSION III: THE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE KEY ISSUES FACED BY LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS Moderators: Associate Professor, Dr. oec. TATYANA BOIKOVA, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA Questions for discussion: • Providing an attractive investment environment: the international experiences of advanced industrialized and emerging economies • The decision-making by foreign investors • Trends in FDI flows dynamics and distribution • The key issues and risks faced by foreign investors • The main factors and new opportunities enhancing FDI inflow Program: • Foreign Direct Investment as Driver of Productivity in the Baltic States: How to Reach the Higher Hanging Fruit? (Mr. Mārtiņš Zemītis, European Semester Officer and economic analyst at the European Commission Representation in Latvia, LATVIA) • Municipality as Business Organisation Territorial Unit (Mr. Igor Meija, entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board of Apprime Ltd., LATVIA) • Why Latvia? How Good is Latvia in Attracting Foreign Investments (Mr. Rolando Huapaija-Delgado, Senior Investment Advisor at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, LATVIA) • Threats of Economic Environment and Labor Market for Foreign SME in Latvia (Mr. Frederic Dehondt, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Latvia, FRANCE/LATVIA) • Latvia in Competition for Investments Coming from France. Case studies. Challenges for Those in Action (Mrs. Solvita Gulbe, Head of Economic Representation Office of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in France, LATVIA) • Attracting EU Investments for SMEs (Mrs. Marija Plotniece, H2020 SME Instrument Risk Finance senior expert, LATVIA) • Possible Purchasing Prices for Blue Mussel Products from the Baltic Sea (Mg.sc.admin. Zaiga Ozoliņa, Project manager, Kurzeme Planning Region, LATVIA) • Foreign Direct Investment Flows and the Issues of Its Efficiency (Dr. oec. Tatyana Boikova, Assoc. Professor at the Baltic International Academy, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • The Investment Environment of Business Development in China (representative of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION IV: BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY Moderators: PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY Dr. NINA LINDE, Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Reasons of youth unemployment and social exclusion • Offers and demands of the contemporary labour market • Social entrepreneurship and young people • Craftmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO! • Youth project’s best examples

Program: • Business Development in Scandinavia: Education for Work and Gamified Classroom Environments (Dr. Peter Gray, European Projects Adviser at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, NORWAY) • Required Skills for Employees - Results from Recent Employer's Survey (Mg.paed. Anita Līce, Dr. oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Youth and Entrepreneurship: How to Help Young People to be Competitive in the Realities of the Modern World (Mg.sc.admin. Pamela Bernabei, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND/ITALY) • From the Idea to the Socially Successful Project (Ms. Linda Lielbriede, chair of the board of Skolens LV Association, lawyer assistant in BDO Law, student of Faculty of Law of University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Young Entrepreneur – Challenge for 365 days (Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, young entrepreneur, CEO of SIA Bluexb, Co-founder of Skolens LV Association, LATVIA) • Business incubation and key aspects of entrepreneurship support (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • From “Made in Italy” to “Made in...” (Mrs. Cristina Cecconi, Coordinator of the international MBA program “Business Intuition of the Made in Italy”, Ltd. FOIL Italy, ITALY) • Fostering Responsibility and Entrepreneurial Mindset for Young People: Youth Project Best Examples – Personal Stories of Erasmus+ project “Craftsmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO!” participants (LATVIA, LITHUANIA, ITALY)

Venue: Senate Hall on the 2nd Floor (Senāta zāle)

14.30 - 15.00 DISCUSSION OF THE RESOLUTION FOR THE III INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM, CLOSING RECEPTION

Working languages: English (main language) / Latvian (simultaneous translation will be provided at the first day of the Forum – October 31)Target audience: scientists, entrepreneurs and potential investors, politicians, representatives of local governments and ministries, representatives of embassies, journalistsInformation and registration: Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences; e-mail: ei@lza.lv; phone: +371-20207092, www.economicforum.lv

AGENDA

October 31, 2019, THURSDAY

09.00 - 10.00 Registration & Early Morning Coffee

10.00 - 11.00 OPENING CEREMONY • Musical Performance • Address of the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Professor Dr. OJĀRS SPĀRĪTIS • Address of the Member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament, Professor Dr. INESE VAIDERE • Address of the Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Mr. RALFS NEMIRO • Address of the Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia Mrs. RAMONA PETRAVIČA • Address of the Advisor to the Minister of Finance Mr. INTS DĀLDERIS • Address of the Secretary of the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Mr. ARMANDS KRAUZE • Address of the President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS • Address on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences of the Deputy Director General, Institute of European Studies, Executive President and Managing Director Dr. CHEN XIN

Host Moderator: Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, Dr. NINA LINDE

III International Economic Forum “BUSINESS SUPPORT: Critical Points, Science-Based Solutions, International Cooperation”. Abstracts Book. The Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, 2019.

Editor: Jelena Titko, Dr. oec., Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences

© Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmijas Ekonomikas institūts, 2019

Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmijas Ekonomikas institūts ISBN 978-9984-774-25-1 / 978-9984-774-26-8 (pdf)

11.00 - 12.30 PLENARY SESSION • MOBILE BIG DATA FOR DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: POTENTIAL & REALITY (Speaker: Professor, Dr. JURIS BINDE, President of the “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons”, Vice-President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA) • REALISATION OF PERSONAL GAIN AS A GUARANTEE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT SYSTEM (Speaker: M.Sc. PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY) • BUSINESS SUPPORT IN LATVIA: PERSONAL VIEW OF AN ENTREPRENEUR (Speaker: Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA / LATVIA)

12.30 - 13.30 Lunch Break, B2B , B2S and S2S meetings

13.30 - 15.00 PLENARY SESSION • WHEN SCIENCE MEETS BUSINESS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM IN LATVIA AND LITHUANIA (Speaker: Dr. JĀNIS VANAGS, Professor at Riga Technical University, researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • STATE ECONOMIC SECURITY (Speaker: Mr. ARNOLDS BABRIS, entrepreneur, Chairman of the board of the JSC “Brivais Vilnis”, LATVIA) • HOW TO CREATE THE BEST BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCE COMBINING WITH LATVIAN OPPORTUNITIES (Speaker: Mr. FREDIS BIKOVS, managing director of the “EVRY Latvia”, Chairman of the board of the “ABSL Latvija”, Member of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in LATVIA) • THE NEW ENGINE OF CHINESE ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ASIAN EXPERIENCE (Speaker: Professor PEI CHANGHONG, former director of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA) • THE FINANCIAL SECTOR – HOSTAGE TO THE GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS (Speaker: Mrs. ĻUBOVA ŠVECOVA, Member of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, former deputy director of the Financial Police Directorate of the State Revenue Service and head of the investigation department, LATVIA)

15.00 - 15.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

15.30 - 17.00 Overview discussion with the speakers and experts: Q&A Session Moderator: President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS

17.00 - 17.30 Interactive introduction of Session Moderators for next day of the Forum

17.30 - 18.00 Conclusion and final musical performance, informal discussion

AGENDA

November 1, 2019, FRIDAY

9.00 - 10.00 Registration & Morning Coffee

10.00 - 12.00 PARALLEL SESSIONS I

SESSION I: FINANCIAL MARKET FOR BUSINESSES: SUPPORT OR BARRIERS? Moderators: Dr. oec. JELENA TITKO, Associate Professor at EKA University of Applied Sciences, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. VIKTORS BOLBATS, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • European regulatory policy: effect on businesses • The future of banking under the condition of money laundering • Financial support for Start-ups and SMEs as basis of increase of business • FinTech solutions – what businesses need to know? • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation?

Program: • Banking in the 21st Century (Mr. Viktors Bolbats, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA) • Responsible Business with Quality Investments: what it means and what it needs? (Dr.sc.pol. Inese Stepiņa, Deputy Director of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), LATVIA) • Microfinances for Start-ups and SMEs (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • Latvian Business is in Search for Alternative Finance Schemas (Mr. Sergejs Paramonovs, experience in top management positions at Dental Latvia, SPLAT Trading, Mogotel, LATVIA) • Turiba Business Index (Ph. D. Zane Driņķe, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Turiba University, LATVIA) • FinTech Companies in Latvia: the New Era of the Financial Sector? (Dr.oec., prof. Inna Romānova, Dr.oec., prof. Ramona Rupeika-Apoga, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Investment Solutions for Businesses during Low Interest Rates Era (Dr.oec. Julija Bistrova, CEO at the CE Services, SWITZERLAND/LATVIA) • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation? (Mrs. Dace Helmane, CEO of Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, LATVIA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION II: DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AS EFFICIENT TOOL FOR FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Moderators: Dr. habil. oec. BAIBA RIVZA, Professor and Academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the Head of the state research program’s project INTERFRAME-LV, LATVIA Professor, Dr. SIGNE BĀLIŅA, President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Compliance of the established Network with today's requirements (in the country as a whole and regions) compared to Estonia and Lithuania • Objective factors limiting the use of digital environment in business (financial problems for SMEs, network availability, lack of specialists with appropriate knowledge and skills) • What needs to be solved by public authorities, by business and by employees themselves to improve business environment? • Directions of general education system development during the digitalization • Lifelong learning tasks in the conditions of digitalization of the economic environment

Program: • The Digital Economy and Society Index - Our Challengies (Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, full member of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • Capital Structure Uncovered: is it so different (PhD student Aija Pilvere-Javorska, Dr. oec. prof. Irina Pilvere, Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Specifics of Digitalized Professional Training for Nature-based Micro-entrepreneurs in Central Baltic Area (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Finance Regulators Financing Experience Abroad (Mg.sc.admin. Rita Vanaga, Chief Accountant at Financial and Capital Market Commission, LATVIA) • Digitalization Impact Variations on Content of Higher Economical Education and Life-long Learning (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Experience of Latvia-Estonia: Development of Innovative Solutions for Higher Education Institutions Entrepreneurship Study Programmes – Intensive Training Modules to Create Solutions for Business and Business Environment (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • How Voluntary Pension Savings are Influenced by their Representation on Digital Sales Platforms and Social Media in Latvia compared to Lithuania and Estonia (Mg.sc.admin. Evija Dundure, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Differences in Digitalisation Skills for Female and Male Employees (Bs.admin. Sabīne Anete Vasina, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Business Process Automation of SMEs in the Post-digital Era (Dr.oec. Ilona Dubra, CEO of Jsc. Luxhouse, Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, Computer Science student at University of Latvia and Finance student at BA School of Business and Finance, PricewaterhouseCoopers Latvia Associate in Tax Reporting, Accounting and Strategy, LATVIA)

• Some Challenges for Better Involvement of Socially Excluded Part of Inhabitants into Digitalisation (Mg.sc.admin, Mg.hist. Ginta Tora, Dr.chem. Juris Dzelme, Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Digitalisation Challenges for Households in Regions of Latvia (Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, Mg.sc.admin. Kate Čipāne, Dr.sc.admin. Inga Jēkabsone, Bs.admin. Emīls Volgasts, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Readiness for Digitalisation of Participants of Work-based-learning: Results from Recent Surveys of Employers, Vocational Education Institutions and Students (Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Public Administrations Dialog with Citizens - Opportunities of Digital Environment in Latvia (Mg.soc.sc. Eduards Lielpēters, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • The perspectives on Digital Transformation of Social Business in Belarus (Mr. Oleg Koleda, Head of sector of international competition and economic integration, Institute of economics of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, Coordinator of the National Contact Point (NCP) «Inclusive, innovative and intellectual society» by the program of the EU HORIZON-2020, Halina Matsiushenka, junior researcher, United Institute of informatics problems of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, BELARUS) • Modern Technologies in Use to Facilitate the Repatriation Process (Mrs. Olga Shulzinger, Dr.oec., prof. Ingrīda Jakušonoka, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Evaluation of Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Management of Organic Soils in Agriculture (Ph.D. Ieva Licite, LATVIA) • The Relative Importance of Various Factors that Motivate Socially Responsible Purchases (Mg.sc.admin. Kristīne Casno, Dr.oec. prof. Daina Škiltere, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Innovation and Cooperation in Polycentric Regional Development as a Tool on the way of National Level Prosperity (Mg.sc.admin. Dace Štefenberga, Head of the Department of Development and Science, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Craft Quarter, City Spatial Solution for Business Development (Dr.oec. Andrejs Lazdins, Dr.oec. Liga Jankova, Dr.oec. Aina Dobele, Madara Dobele, LATVIA) • Deprived Areas in the Age of Digitalization (Phd student Mairita Stepina, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies) Venue: Hall on the 2nd Floor (Sēžu zāle)

12.00 - 12.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

12.30 - 14.30 PARALLEL SESSIONS II

SESSION III: THE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE KEY ISSUES FACED BY LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS Moderators: Associate Professor, Dr. oec. TATYANA BOIKOVA, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA Questions for discussion: • Providing an attractive investment environment: the international experiences of advanced industrialized and emerging economies • The decision-making by foreign investors • Trends in FDI flows dynamics and distribution • The key issues and risks faced by foreign investors • The main factors and new opportunities enhancing FDI inflow Program: • Foreign Direct Investment as Driver of Productivity in the Baltic States: How to Reach the Higher Hanging Fruit? (Mr. Mārtiņš Zemītis, European Semester Officer and economic analyst at the European Commission Representation in Latvia, LATVIA) • Municipality as Business Organisation Territorial Unit (Mr. Igor Meija, entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board of Apprime Ltd., LATVIA) • Why Latvia? How Good is Latvia in Attracting Foreign Investments (Mr. Rolando Huapaija-Delgado, Senior Investment Advisor at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, LATVIA) • Threats of Economic Environment and Labor Market for Foreign SME in Latvia (Mr. Frederic Dehondt, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Latvia, FRANCE/LATVIA) • Latvia in Competition for Investments Coming from France. Case studies. Challenges for Those in Action (Mrs. Solvita Gulbe, Head of Economic Representation Office of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in France, LATVIA) • Attracting EU Investments for SMEs (Mrs. Marija Plotniece, H2020 SME Instrument Risk Finance senior expert, LATVIA) • Possible Purchasing Prices for Blue Mussel Products from the Baltic Sea (Mg.sc.admin. Zaiga Ozoliņa, Project manager, Kurzeme Planning Region, LATVIA) • Foreign Direct Investment Flows and the Issues of Its Efficiency (Dr. oec. Tatyana Boikova, Assoc. Professor at the Baltic International Academy, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • The Investment Environment of Business Development in China (representative of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION IV: BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY Moderators: PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY Dr. NINA LINDE, Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Reasons of youth unemployment and social exclusion • Offers and demands of the contemporary labour market • Social entrepreneurship and young people • Craftmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO! • Youth project’s best examples

Program: • Business Development in Scandinavia: Education for Work and Gamified Classroom Environments (Dr. Peter Gray, European Projects Adviser at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, NORWAY) • Required Skills for Employees - Results from Recent Employer's Survey (Mg.paed. Anita Līce, Dr. oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Youth and Entrepreneurship: How to Help Young People to be Competitive in the Realities of the Modern World (Mg.sc.admin. Pamela Bernabei, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND/ITALY) • From the Idea to the Socially Successful Project (Ms. Linda Lielbriede, chair of the board of Skolens LV Association, lawyer assistant in BDO Law, student of Faculty of Law of University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Young Entrepreneur – Challenge for 365 days (Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, young entrepreneur, CEO of SIA Bluexb, Co-founder of Skolens LV Association, LATVIA) • Business incubation and key aspects of entrepreneurship support (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • From “Made in Italy” to “Made in...” (Mrs. Cristina Cecconi, Coordinator of the international MBA program “Business Intuition of the Made in Italy”, Ltd. FOIL Italy, ITALY) • Fostering Responsibility and Entrepreneurial Mindset for Young People: Youth Project Best Examples – Personal Stories of Erasmus+ project “Craftsmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO!” participants (LATVIA, LITHUANIA, ITALY)

Venue: Senate Hall on the 2nd Floor (Senāta zāle)

14.30 - 15.00 DISCUSSION OF THE RESOLUTION FOR THE III INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM, CLOSING RECEPTION

Working languages: English (main language) / Latvian (simultaneous translation will be provided at the first day of the Forum – October 31)Target audience: scientists, entrepreneurs and potential investors, politicians, representatives of local governments and ministries, representatives of embassies, journalistsInformation and registration: Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences; e-mail: ei@lza.lv; phone: +371-20207092, www.economicforum.lv

AGENDA

October 31, 2019, THURSDAY

09.00 - 10.00 Registration & Early Morning Coffee

10.00 - 11.00 OPENING CEREMONY • Musical Performance • Address of the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Professor Dr. OJĀRS SPĀRĪTIS • Address of the Member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament, Professor Dr. INESE VAIDERE • Address of the Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Mr. RALFS NEMIRO • Address of the Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia Mrs. RAMONA PETRAVIČA • Address of the Advisor to the Minister of Finance Mr. INTS DĀLDERIS • Address of the Secretary of the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Mr. ARMANDS KRAUZE • Address of the President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS • Address on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences of the Deputy Director General, Institute of European Studies, Executive President and Managing Director Dr. CHEN XIN

Host Moderator: Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, Dr. NINA LINDE

11.00 - 12.30 PLENARY SESSION • MOBILE BIG DATA FOR DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: POTENTIAL & REALITY (Speaker: Professor, Dr. JURIS BINDE, President of the “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons”, Vice-President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA) • REALISATION OF PERSONAL GAIN AS A GUARANTEE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT SYSTEM (Speaker: M.Sc. PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY) • BUSINESS SUPPORT IN LATVIA: PERSONAL VIEW OF AN ENTREPRENEUR (Speaker: Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA / LATVIA)

12.30 - 13.30 Lunch Break, B2B , B2S and S2S meetings

13.30 - 15.00 PLENARY SESSION • WHEN SCIENCE MEETS BUSINESS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM IN LATVIA AND LITHUANIA (Speaker: Dr. JĀNIS VANAGS, Professor at Riga Technical University, researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • STATE ECONOMIC SECURITY (Speaker: Mr. ARNOLDS BABRIS, entrepreneur, Chairman of the board of the JSC “Brivais Vilnis”, LATVIA) • HOW TO CREATE THE BEST BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCE COMBINING WITH LATVIAN OPPORTUNITIES (Speaker: Mr. FREDIS BIKOVS, managing director of the “EVRY Latvia”, Chairman of the board of the “ABSL Latvija”, Member of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in LATVIA) • THE NEW ENGINE OF CHINESE ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ASIAN EXPERIENCE (Speaker: Professor PEI CHANGHONG, former director of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA) • THE FINANCIAL SECTOR – HOSTAGE TO THE GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS (Speaker: Mrs. ĻUBOVA ŠVECOVA, Member of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, former deputy director of the Financial Police Directorate of the State Revenue Service and head of the investigation department, LATVIA)

15.00 - 15.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

15.30 - 17.00 Overview discussion with the speakers and experts: Q&A Session Moderator: President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS

17.00 - 17.30 Interactive introduction of Session Moderators for next day of the Forum

17.30 - 18.00 Conclusion and final musical performance, informal discussion

AGENDA

November 1, 2019, FRIDAY

9.00 - 10.00 Registration & Morning Coffee

10.00 - 12.00 PARALLEL SESSIONS I

SESSION I: FINANCIAL MARKET FOR BUSINESSES: SUPPORT OR BARRIERS? Moderators: Dr. oec. JELENA TITKO, Associate Professor at EKA University of Applied Sciences, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. VIKTORS BOLBATS, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • European regulatory policy: effect on businesses • The future of banking under the condition of money laundering • Financial support for Start-ups and SMEs as basis of increase of business • FinTech solutions – what businesses need to know? • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation?

Program: • Banking in the 21st Century (Mr. Viktors Bolbats, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA) • Responsible Business with Quality Investments: what it means and what it needs? (Dr.sc.pol. Inese Stepiņa, Deputy Director of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), LATVIA) • Microfinances for Start-ups and SMEs (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • Latvian Business is in Search for Alternative Finance Schemas (Mr. Sergejs Paramonovs, experience in top management positions at Dental Latvia, SPLAT Trading, Mogotel, LATVIA) • Turiba Business Index (Ph. D. Zane Driņķe, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Turiba University, LATVIA) • FinTech Companies in Latvia: the New Era of the Financial Sector? (Dr.oec., prof. Inna Romānova, Dr.oec., prof. Ramona Rupeika-Apoga, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Investment Solutions for Businesses during Low Interest Rates Era (Dr.oec. Julija Bistrova, CEO at the CE Services, SWITZERLAND/LATVIA) • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation? (Mrs. Dace Helmane, CEO of Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, LATVIA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION II: DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AS EFFICIENT TOOL FOR FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Moderators: Dr. habil. oec. BAIBA RIVZA, Professor and Academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the Head of the state research program’s project INTERFRAME-LV, LATVIA Professor, Dr. SIGNE BĀLIŅA, President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Compliance of the established Network with today's requirements (in the country as a whole and regions) compared to Estonia and Lithuania • Objective factors limiting the use of digital environment in business (financial problems for SMEs, network availability, lack of specialists with appropriate knowledge and skills) • What needs to be solved by public authorities, by business and by employees themselves to improve business environment? • Directions of general education system development during the digitalization • Lifelong learning tasks in the conditions of digitalization of the economic environment

Program: • The Digital Economy and Society Index - Our Challengies (Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, full member of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • Capital Structure Uncovered: is it so different (PhD student Aija Pilvere-Javorska, Dr. oec. prof. Irina Pilvere, Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Specifics of Digitalized Professional Training for Nature-based Micro-entrepreneurs in Central Baltic Area (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Finance Regulators Financing Experience Abroad (Mg.sc.admin. Rita Vanaga, Chief Accountant at Financial and Capital Market Commission, LATVIA) • Digitalization Impact Variations on Content of Higher Economical Education and Life-long Learning (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Experience of Latvia-Estonia: Development of Innovative Solutions for Higher Education Institutions Entrepreneurship Study Programmes – Intensive Training Modules to Create Solutions for Business and Business Environment (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • How Voluntary Pension Savings are Influenced by their Representation on Digital Sales Platforms and Social Media in Latvia compared to Lithuania and Estonia (Mg.sc.admin. Evija Dundure, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Differences in Digitalisation Skills for Female and Male Employees (Bs.admin. Sabīne Anete Vasina, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Business Process Automation of SMEs in the Post-digital Era (Dr.oec. Ilona Dubra, CEO of Jsc. Luxhouse, Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, Computer Science student at University of Latvia and Finance student at BA School of Business and Finance, PricewaterhouseCoopers Latvia Associate in Tax Reporting, Accounting and Strategy, LATVIA)

• Some Challenges for Better Involvement of Socially Excluded Part of Inhabitants into Digitalisation (Mg.sc.admin, Mg.hist. Ginta Tora, Dr.chem. Juris Dzelme, Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Digitalisation Challenges for Households in Regions of Latvia (Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, Mg.sc.admin. Kate Čipāne, Dr.sc.admin. Inga Jēkabsone, Bs.admin. Emīls Volgasts, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Readiness for Digitalisation of Participants of Work-based-learning: Results from Recent Surveys of Employers, Vocational Education Institutions and Students (Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Public Administrations Dialog with Citizens - Opportunities of Digital Environment in Latvia (Mg.soc.sc. Eduards Lielpēters, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • The perspectives on Digital Transformation of Social Business in Belarus (Mr. Oleg Koleda, Head of sector of international competition and economic integration, Institute of economics of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, Coordinator of the National Contact Point (NCP) «Inclusive, innovative and intellectual society» by the program of the EU HORIZON-2020, Halina Matsiushenka, junior researcher, United Institute of informatics problems of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, BELARUS) • Modern Technologies in Use to Facilitate the Repatriation Process (Mrs. Olga Shulzinger, Dr.oec., prof. Ingrīda Jakušonoka, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Evaluation of Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Management of Organic Soils in Agriculture (Ph.D. Ieva Licite, LATVIA) • The Relative Importance of Various Factors that Motivate Socially Responsible Purchases (Mg.sc.admin. Kristīne Casno, Dr.oec. prof. Daina Škiltere, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Innovation and Cooperation in Polycentric Regional Development as a Tool on the way of National Level Prosperity (Mg.sc.admin. Dace Štefenberga, Head of the Department of Development and Science, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Craft Quarter, City Spatial Solution for Business Development (Dr.oec. Andrejs Lazdins, Dr.oec. Liga Jankova, Dr.oec. Aina Dobele, Madara Dobele, LATVIA) • Deprived Areas in the Age of Digitalization (Phd student Mairita Stepina, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies) Venue: Hall on the 2nd Floor (Sēžu zāle)

12.00 - 12.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

12.30 - 14.30 PARALLEL SESSIONS II

SESSION III: THE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE KEY ISSUES FACED BY LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS Moderators: Associate Professor, Dr. oec. TATYANA BOIKOVA, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA Questions for discussion: • Providing an attractive investment environment: the international experiences of advanced industrialized and emerging economies • The decision-making by foreign investors • Trends in FDI flows dynamics and distribution • The key issues and risks faced by foreign investors • The main factors and new opportunities enhancing FDI inflow Program: • Foreign Direct Investment as Driver of Productivity in the Baltic States: How to Reach the Higher Hanging Fruit? (Mr. Mārtiņš Zemītis, European Semester Officer and economic analyst at the European Commission Representation in Latvia, LATVIA) • Municipality as Business Organisation Territorial Unit (Mr. Igor Meija, entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board of Apprime Ltd., LATVIA) • Why Latvia? How Good is Latvia in Attracting Foreign Investments (Mr. Rolando Huapaija-Delgado, Senior Investment Advisor at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, LATVIA) • Threats of Economic Environment and Labor Market for Foreign SME in Latvia (Mr. Frederic Dehondt, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Latvia, FRANCE/LATVIA) • Latvia in Competition for Investments Coming from France. Case studies. Challenges for Those in Action (Mrs. Solvita Gulbe, Head of Economic Representation Office of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in France, LATVIA) • Attracting EU Investments for SMEs (Mrs. Marija Plotniece, H2020 SME Instrument Risk Finance senior expert, LATVIA) • Possible Purchasing Prices for Blue Mussel Products from the Baltic Sea (Mg.sc.admin. Zaiga Ozoliņa, Project manager, Kurzeme Planning Region, LATVIA) • Foreign Direct Investment Flows and the Issues of Its Efficiency (Dr. oec. Tatyana Boikova, Assoc. Professor at the Baltic International Academy, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • The Investment Environment of Business Development in China (representative of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION IV: BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY Moderators: PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY Dr. NINA LINDE, Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Reasons of youth unemployment and social exclusion • Offers and demands of the contemporary labour market • Social entrepreneurship and young people • Craftmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO! • Youth project’s best examples

Program: • Business Development in Scandinavia: Education for Work and Gamified Classroom Environments (Dr. Peter Gray, European Projects Adviser at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, NORWAY) • Required Skills for Employees - Results from Recent Employer's Survey (Mg.paed. Anita Līce, Dr. oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Youth and Entrepreneurship: How to Help Young People to be Competitive in the Realities of the Modern World (Mg.sc.admin. Pamela Bernabei, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND/ITALY) • From the Idea to the Socially Successful Project (Ms. Linda Lielbriede, chair of the board of Skolens LV Association, lawyer assistant in BDO Law, student of Faculty of Law of University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Young Entrepreneur – Challenge for 365 days (Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, young entrepreneur, CEO of SIA Bluexb, Co-founder of Skolens LV Association, LATVIA) • Business incubation and key aspects of entrepreneurship support (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • From “Made in Italy” to “Made in...” (Mrs. Cristina Cecconi, Coordinator of the international MBA program “Business Intuition of the Made in Italy”, Ltd. FOIL Italy, ITALY) • Fostering Responsibility and Entrepreneurial Mindset for Young People: Youth Project Best Examples – Personal Stories of Erasmus+ project “Craftsmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO!” participants (LATVIA, LITHUANIA, ITALY)

Venue: Senate Hall on the 2nd Floor (Senāta zāle)

14.30 - 15.00 DISCUSSION OF THE RESOLUTION FOR THE III INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM, CLOSING RECEPTION

Working languages: English (main language) / Latvian (simultaneous translation will be provided at the first day of the Forum – October 31)Target audience: scientists, entrepreneurs and potential investors, politicians, representatives of local governments and ministries, representatives of embassies, journalistsInformation and registration: Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences; e-mail: ei@lza.lv; phone: +371-20207092, www.economicforum.lv

AGENDA

October 31, 2019, THURSDAY

09.00 - 10.00 Registration & Early Morning Coffee

10.00 - 11.00 OPENING CEREMONY • Musical Performance • Address of the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Professor Dr. OJĀRS SPĀRĪTIS • Address of the Member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament, Professor Dr. INESE VAIDERE • Address of the Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Mr. RALFS NEMIRO • Address of the Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia Mrs. RAMONA PETRAVIČA • Address of the Advisor to the Minister of Finance Mr. INTS DĀLDERIS • Address of the Secretary of the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Mr. ARMANDS KRAUZE • Address of the President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS • Address on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences of the Deputy Director General, Institute of European Studies, Executive President and Managing Director Dr. CHEN XIN

Host Moderator: Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, Dr. NINA LINDE

11.00 - 12.30 PLENARY SESSION • MOBILE BIG DATA FOR DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: POTENTIAL & REALITY (Speaker: Professor, Dr. JURIS BINDE, President of the “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons”, Vice-President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA) • REALISATION OF PERSONAL GAIN AS A GUARANTEE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT SYSTEM (Speaker: M.Sc. PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY) • BUSINESS SUPPORT IN LATVIA: PERSONAL VIEW OF AN ENTREPRENEUR (Speaker: Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA / LATVIA)

12.30 - 13.30 Lunch Break, B2B , B2S and S2S meetings

13.30 - 15.00 PLENARY SESSION • WHEN SCIENCE MEETS BUSINESS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM IN LATVIA AND LITHUANIA (Speaker: Dr. JĀNIS VANAGS, Professor at Riga Technical University, researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • STATE ECONOMIC SECURITY (Speaker: Mr. ARNOLDS BABRIS, entrepreneur, Chairman of the board of the JSC “Brivais Vilnis”, LATVIA) • HOW TO CREATE THE BEST BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCE COMBINING WITH LATVIAN OPPORTUNITIES (Speaker: Mr. FREDIS BIKOVS, managing director of the “EVRY Latvia”, Chairman of the board of the “ABSL Latvija”, Member of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in LATVIA) • THE NEW ENGINE OF CHINESE ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ASIAN EXPERIENCE (Speaker: Professor PEI CHANGHONG, former director of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA) • THE FINANCIAL SECTOR – HOSTAGE TO THE GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS (Speaker: Mrs. ĻUBOVA ŠVECOVA, Member of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, former deputy director of the Financial Police Directorate of the State Revenue Service and head of the investigation department, LATVIA)

15.00 - 15.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

15.30 - 17.00 Overview discussion with the speakers and experts: Q&A Session Moderator: President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS

17.00 - 17.30 Interactive introduction of Session Moderators for next day of the Forum

17.30 - 18.00 Conclusion and final musical performance, informal discussion

AGENDA

November 1, 2019, FRIDAY

9.00 - 10.00 Registration & Morning Coffee

10.00 - 12.00 PARALLEL SESSIONS I

SESSION I: FINANCIAL MARKET FOR BUSINESSES: SUPPORT OR BARRIERS? Moderators: Dr. oec. JELENA TITKO, Associate Professor at EKA University of Applied Sciences, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. VIKTORS BOLBATS, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • European regulatory policy: effect on businesses • The future of banking under the condition of money laundering • Financial support for Start-ups and SMEs as basis of increase of business • FinTech solutions – what businesses need to know? • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation?

Program: • Banking in the 21st Century (Mr. Viktors Bolbats, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA) • Responsible Business with Quality Investments: what it means and what it needs? (Dr.sc.pol. Inese Stepiņa, Deputy Director of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), LATVIA) • Microfinances for Start-ups and SMEs (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • Latvian Business is in Search for Alternative Finance Schemas (Mr. Sergejs Paramonovs, experience in top management positions at Dental Latvia, SPLAT Trading, Mogotel, LATVIA) • Turiba Business Index (Ph. D. Zane Driņķe, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Turiba University, LATVIA) • FinTech Companies in Latvia: the New Era of the Financial Sector? (Dr.oec., prof. Inna Romānova, Dr.oec., prof. Ramona Rupeika-Apoga, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Investment Solutions for Businesses during Low Interest Rates Era (Dr.oec. Julija Bistrova, CEO at the CE Services, SWITZERLAND/LATVIA) • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation? (Mrs. Dace Helmane, CEO of Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, LATVIA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION II: DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AS EFFICIENT TOOL FOR FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Moderators: Dr. habil. oec. BAIBA RIVZA, Professor and Academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the Head of the state research program’s project INTERFRAME-LV, LATVIA Professor, Dr. SIGNE BĀLIŅA, President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Compliance of the established Network with today's requirements (in the country as a whole and regions) compared to Estonia and Lithuania • Objective factors limiting the use of digital environment in business (financial problems for SMEs, network availability, lack of specialists with appropriate knowledge and skills) • What needs to be solved by public authorities, by business and by employees themselves to improve business environment? • Directions of general education system development during the digitalization • Lifelong learning tasks in the conditions of digitalization of the economic environment

Program: • The Digital Economy and Society Index - Our Challengies (Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, full member of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • Capital Structure Uncovered: is it so different (PhD student Aija Pilvere-Javorska, Dr. oec. prof. Irina Pilvere, Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Specifics of Digitalized Professional Training for Nature-based Micro-entrepreneurs in Central Baltic Area (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Finance Regulators Financing Experience Abroad (Mg.sc.admin. Rita Vanaga, Chief Accountant at Financial and Capital Market Commission, LATVIA) • Digitalization Impact Variations on Content of Higher Economical Education and Life-long Learning (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Experience of Latvia-Estonia: Development of Innovative Solutions for Higher Education Institutions Entrepreneurship Study Programmes – Intensive Training Modules to Create Solutions for Business and Business Environment (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • How Voluntary Pension Savings are Influenced by their Representation on Digital Sales Platforms and Social Media in Latvia compared to Lithuania and Estonia (Mg.sc.admin. Evija Dundure, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Differences in Digitalisation Skills for Female and Male Employees (Bs.admin. Sabīne Anete Vasina, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Business Process Automation of SMEs in the Post-digital Era (Dr.oec. Ilona Dubra, CEO of Jsc. Luxhouse, Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, Computer Science student at University of Latvia and Finance student at BA School of Business and Finance, PricewaterhouseCoopers Latvia Associate in Tax Reporting, Accounting and Strategy, LATVIA)

• Some Challenges for Better Involvement of Socially Excluded Part of Inhabitants into Digitalisation (Mg.sc.admin, Mg.hist. Ginta Tora, Dr.chem. Juris Dzelme, Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Digitalisation Challenges for Households in Regions of Latvia (Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, Mg.sc.admin. Kate Čipāne, Dr.sc.admin. Inga Jēkabsone, Bs.admin. Emīls Volgasts, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Readiness for Digitalisation of Participants of Work-based-learning: Results from Recent Surveys of Employers, Vocational Education Institutions and Students (Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Public Administrations Dialog with Citizens - Opportunities of Digital Environment in Latvia (Mg.soc.sc. Eduards Lielpēters, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • The perspectives on Digital Transformation of Social Business in Belarus (Mr. Oleg Koleda, Head of sector of international competition and economic integration, Institute of economics of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, Coordinator of the National Contact Point (NCP) «Inclusive, innovative and intellectual society» by the program of the EU HORIZON-2020, Halina Matsiushenka, junior researcher, United Institute of informatics problems of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, BELARUS) • Modern Technologies in Use to Facilitate the Repatriation Process (Mrs. Olga Shulzinger, Dr.oec., prof. Ingrīda Jakušonoka, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Evaluation of Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Management of Organic Soils in Agriculture (Ph.D. Ieva Licite, LATVIA) • The Relative Importance of Various Factors that Motivate Socially Responsible Purchases (Mg.sc.admin. Kristīne Casno, Dr.oec. prof. Daina Škiltere, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Innovation and Cooperation in Polycentric Regional Development as a Tool on the way of National Level Prosperity (Mg.sc.admin. Dace Štefenberga, Head of the Department of Development and Science, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Craft Quarter, City Spatial Solution for Business Development (Dr.oec. Andrejs Lazdins, Dr.oec. Liga Jankova, Dr.oec. Aina Dobele, Madara Dobele, LATVIA) • Deprived Areas in the Age of Digitalization (Phd student Mairita Stepina, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies) Venue: Hall on the 2nd Floor (Sēžu zāle)

12.00 - 12.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

12.30 - 14.30 PARALLEL SESSIONS II

SESSION III: THE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE KEY ISSUES FACED BY LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS Moderators: Associate Professor, Dr. oec. TATYANA BOIKOVA, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA Questions for discussion: • Providing an attractive investment environment: the international experiences of advanced industrialized and emerging economies • The decision-making by foreign investors • Trends in FDI flows dynamics and distribution • The key issues and risks faced by foreign investors • The main factors and new opportunities enhancing FDI inflow Program: • Foreign Direct Investment as Driver of Productivity in the Baltic States: How to Reach the Higher Hanging Fruit? (Mr. Mārtiņš Zemītis, European Semester Officer and economic analyst at the European Commission Representation in Latvia, LATVIA) • Municipality as Business Organisation Territorial Unit (Mr. Igor Meija, entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board of Apprime Ltd., LATVIA) • Why Latvia? How Good is Latvia in Attracting Foreign Investments (Mr. Rolando Huapaija-Delgado, Senior Investment Advisor at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, LATVIA) • Threats of Economic Environment and Labor Market for Foreign SME in Latvia (Mr. Frederic Dehondt, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Latvia, FRANCE/LATVIA) • Latvia in Competition for Investments Coming from France. Case studies. Challenges for Those in Action (Mrs. Solvita Gulbe, Head of Economic Representation Office of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in France, LATVIA) • Attracting EU Investments for SMEs (Mrs. Marija Plotniece, H2020 SME Instrument Risk Finance senior expert, LATVIA) • Possible Purchasing Prices for Blue Mussel Products from the Baltic Sea (Mg.sc.admin. Zaiga Ozoliņa, Project manager, Kurzeme Planning Region, LATVIA) • Foreign Direct Investment Flows and the Issues of Its Efficiency (Dr. oec. Tatyana Boikova, Assoc. Professor at the Baltic International Academy, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • The Investment Environment of Business Development in China (representative of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION IV: BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY Moderators: PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY Dr. NINA LINDE, Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Reasons of youth unemployment and social exclusion • Offers and demands of the contemporary labour market • Social entrepreneurship and young people • Craftmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO! • Youth project’s best examples

Program: • Business Development in Scandinavia: Education for Work and Gamified Classroom Environments (Dr. Peter Gray, European Projects Adviser at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, NORWAY) • Required Skills for Employees - Results from Recent Employer's Survey (Mg.paed. Anita Līce, Dr. oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Youth and Entrepreneurship: How to Help Young People to be Competitive in the Realities of the Modern World (Mg.sc.admin. Pamela Bernabei, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND/ITALY) • From the Idea to the Socially Successful Project (Ms. Linda Lielbriede, chair of the board of Skolens LV Association, lawyer assistant in BDO Law, student of Faculty of Law of University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Young Entrepreneur – Challenge for 365 days (Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, young entrepreneur, CEO of SIA Bluexb, Co-founder of Skolens LV Association, LATVIA) • Business incubation and key aspects of entrepreneurship support (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • From “Made in Italy” to “Made in...” (Mrs. Cristina Cecconi, Coordinator of the international MBA program “Business Intuition of the Made in Italy”, Ltd. FOIL Italy, ITALY) • Fostering Responsibility and Entrepreneurial Mindset for Young People: Youth Project Best Examples – Personal Stories of Erasmus+ project “Craftsmanship future of Europe: I AM ABLE TO DO!” participants (LATVIA, LITHUANIA, ITALY)

Venue: Senate Hall on the 2nd Floor (Senāta zāle)

14.30 - 15.00 DISCUSSION OF THE RESOLUTION FOR THE III INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM, CLOSING RECEPTION

Working languages: English (main language) / Latvian (simultaneous translation will be provided at the first day of the Forum – October 31)Target audience: scientists, entrepreneurs and potential investors, politicians, representatives of local governments and ministries, representatives of embassies, journalistsInformation and registration: Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences; e-mail: ei@lza.lv; phone: +371-20207092, www.economicforum.lv

TABLE OF CONTENT

AGENDA

THE INSTITUTE OF ECONOMICS OF LATVIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

PLENARY SESSION

Juris Binde. MOBILE BIG DATA FOR DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: POTENTIAL & REALITYPamela Bernabei. REALISATION OF PERSONAL GAIN AS A GUARANTEE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT SYSTEM 12Gerald Hoppstaedter. BUSINESS SUPPORT IN LATVIA: PERSONAL VIEW OF AN IENTREPRENEURJānis Vanags, Ņina Linde. POSSIBILITIES OF INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT SUPPORT SYSTEM IN THE BORDER REGIONS OF LATVIA – LITHUANIAArnolds Babris. STATE ECONOMIC SECURITYFredis Bikovs. HOW TO CREATE THE BEST BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCE COMBINING WITH LATVIAN OPPORTUNITIESPei Changhong. THE NEW ENGINE OF CHINESE ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ASIAN EXPERIENCEĻubova Švecova. THE FINANCIAL SECTOR – HOSTAGE TO THE GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS

FINANCIAL MARKET FOR BUSINESSES: SUPPORT OR BARRIERS?

Viktors Bolbats. BANKING IN THE 21ST CENTURYInese Stepiņa. RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS WITH QUALITY INVESTMENTS: WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT IT NEEDS?Juan Carlos Martinez Barrio. MICROFINANCE FOR START-UPS AND SMEsSergejs Paramonovs. LATVIAN BUSINESS IS IN SEARCH ALTERNATIVE FINANCE SCHEMASZane Driņķe. TURIBA BUSINESS INDEXInna Romanova, Ramona Rupeika-Apoga. FINTECH COMPANIES IN LATVIA: THE NEW ERA OF THE FINANCIAL SECTOR?Julija Bistrova. INVESTMENT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESSES DURING LOW INTEREST RATES ERADace Helmane. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF BANKS

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AS EFFICIENT TOOL FOR FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Baiba Rivža. THE DIGITAL ECONOMY AND SOCIETY INDEX - OUR CHALLENGESAija Pilvere-Javorska, Irina Pilvere, Baiba Rivža. CAPITAL STRUCTURE UNCOVERED: IS IT SO DIFFERENTMaira Lescevica. SPECIFICS OF DIGITALIZED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR NATURE-BASED MICRO-ENTREPRENEURS IN BALTIC AREAMaira Lescevica. EXPERIENCE OF LATVIA-ESTONIA: DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDY PROGRAMMES – INTENSIVE TRAINING MODULES TO CREATE SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS AND BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTRita Vanaga. FINANCE REGULATORS‘ FINANCING EXPERIENCE ABROADEvija Dundure. HOW VOLUNTARY PENSION SAVINGS ARE INFLUENCED BY THEIR REPRESENTATION ON DIGITAL SALES PLATFORMS AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN LATVIA COMPARED TO LITHUANIA AND ESTONIASabīne Anete Vasina. DIFFERENCES IN DIGITALISATION SKILLS FOR FEMALE AND MALE EMPLOYEESIlona Dubra, Daniils Vladimirovs. BUSINESS PROCESS AUTOMATION OF SMES IN THE POST-DIGITAL ERAGinta Tora, Juris Dzelme, Ilze Buligina, Biruta Sloka. SOME CHALLENGES FOR BETTER INVOLVEMENT OF SOCIALLY EXCLUDED PART OF INHABITANTS INTO DIGITALISATIONBiruta Sloka, Kate Čipāne, Inga Jēkabsone, Emīls Volgasts. DIGITALISATION CHALLENGES FOR HOUSEHOLDS IN REGIONS OF LATVIAIlze Buligina, Biruta Sloka. READINESS FOR DIGITALISATION OF PARTICIPANTS OF WORK-BASED-LEARNING: RESULTS FROM RECENT SURVEYS OF EMPLOYERS, VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND STUDENTSEduards Lielpēters, Biruta Sloka. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONS DIALOG WITH CITIZENS - OPPORTUNITIES OF DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT IN LATVIAOleg Koleda, Tatsiana Viartsinskaya, Halina Matsiushenka. THE PERSPECTIVES OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL BUSINESS IN BELARUSOlga Shulzinger, Ingrīda Jakušonoka. MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN USE TO FACILITATE THE REPATRIATION PROCESSIeva Licite. EVALUATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION POTENTIAL OF MANAGEMENT OF ORGANIC SOILS IN AGRICULTUREKristīne Casno, Daina Šķiltere, Biruta Sloka. THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF VARIOUS FACTORS THAT MOTIVATE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE PURCHASES 46Dace Štefenberga. INNOVATION AND COOPERATION IN POLYCENTRIC REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AS A TOOL ON THE WAY OF NATIONAL LEVEL PROSPERITYAndra Zvirbule, Gunta Grīnberga-Zālīte, Baiba Rivža, Tatjana Tihankova. FOCUSING ON DIGITALIZATION FOR STUDY PROCESS IMPROVEMENTLigita Melece. OPPORTUNITIES OF DIGITAL TRAINING IN RURAL AREAS

THE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE KEY ISSUES FACED BY FOREIGN INVESTORS

Mārtiņš Zemītis. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AS DRIVER OF PRODUCTIVITY IN THE BALTIC STATES: HOW TO REACH THE HIGHER HANGING FRUIT?Igors Meija. MUNICIPALITY AS BUSINESS ORGANISATION TERRITORIAL UNITRolando Huapaija-Delgado. WHY LATVIA? HOW GOOD IS LATVIA IN ATTRACTING FOREIGN INVESTMENTS?Frederic Dehondt. THREATS OF ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND LABOR MARKET FOR FOREIGN SME IN LATVIASolvita Gulbe. LATVIA IN COMPETITION FOR INVESTMENTS COMING FROM FRANCE. CASE STUDIES. CHALLENGES FOR THOSE IN ACTIONMarija Plotniece. EQUITY ROLE IN EU INNOVATIVE PROJECTSZaiga Ozoliņa. POSSIBLE PURCHASING PRICES FOR BLUE MUSSEL PRODUCTS FROM THE BALTIC SEATatyana Boikova. FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT FLOWS AND THE ISSUES OF ITS EFFICIENCY

BUSINESS SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Peter Gray. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN SCANDINAVIA: EDUCATION FOR WORK AND GAMIFIED CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENTSAnita Līce, Biruta Sloka. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES FOR EMPLOYEES - RESULTS OF EMPLOYER SURVEYLinda Lielbriede. FROM IDEA TO SOCIALLY SUCCESSFUL PROJECTDaniils Vladimirovs. YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR – CHALLENGE FOR 365 DAYSCristina Cecconi. FROM “MADE IN ITALY” TO “MADE IN...”Juan Carlos Martinez Barrio. BUSINESS INCUBATION AND KEY ASPECTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORTFor Notes

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AGENDA

October 31, 2019, THURSDAY

09.00 - 10.00 Registration & Early Morning Coffee

10.00 - 11.00 OPENING CEREMONY • Musical Performance • Address of the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Professor Dr. OJĀRS SPĀRĪTIS • Address of the Member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament, Professor Dr. INESE VAIDERE • Address of the Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia Mr. RALFS NEMIRO • Address of the Minister of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia Mrs. RAMONA PETRAVIČA • Address of the Advisor to the Minister of Finance Mr. INTS DĀLDERIS • Address of the Secretary of the Citizenship, Migration and Social Cohesion Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia Mr. ARMANDS KRAUZE • Address of the President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS • Address on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences of the Deputy Director General, Institute of European Studies, Executive President and Managing Director Dr. CHEN XIN

Host Moderator: Director of the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, Dr. NINA LINDE

11.00 - 12.30 PLENARY SESSION • MOBILE BIG DATA FOR DIGITAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT: POTENTIAL & REALITY (Speaker: Professor, Dr. JURIS BINDE, President of the “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons”, Vice-President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA) • REALISATION OF PERSONAL GAIN AS A GUARANTEE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT SYSTEM (Speaker: M.Sc. PAMELA BERNABEI, President of the Antonio Meneghetti Scientific and Humanistic Research Foundation, SWITZERLAND / ITALY) • BUSINESS SUPPORT IN LATVIA: PERSONAL VIEW OF AN ENTREPRENEUR (Speaker: Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA / LATVIA)

12.30 - 13.30 Lunch Break, B2B , B2S and S2S meetings

13.30 - 15.00 PLENARY SESSION • WHEN SCIENCE MEETS BUSINESS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUSINESS SUPPORT SYSTEM IN LATVIA AND LITHUANIA (Speaker: Dr. JĀNIS VANAGS, Professor at Riga Technical University, researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • STATE ECONOMIC SECURITY (Speaker: Mr. ARNOLDS BABRIS, entrepreneur, Chairman of the board of the JSC “Brivais Vilnis”, LATVIA) • HOW TO CREATE THE BEST BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT: SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCE COMBINING WITH LATVIAN OPPORTUNITIES (Speaker: Mr. FREDIS BIKOVS, managing director of the “EVRY Latvia”, Chairman of the board of the “ABSL Latvija”, Member of the Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in LATVIA) • THE NEW ENGINE OF CHINESE ECONOMIC GROWTH: A CASE OF DIGITAL ECONOMY IN ASIAN EXPERIENCE (Speaker: Professor PEI CHANGHONG, former director of the Institute of Economics of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), CHINA) • THE FINANCIAL SECTOR – HOSTAGE TO THE GEOPOLITICAL EVENTS (Speaker: Mrs. ĻUBOVA ŠVECOVA, Member of the Budget and Finance Committee of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, former deputy director of the Financial Police Directorate of the State Revenue Service and head of the investigation department, LATVIA)

15.00 - 15.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

15.30 - 17.00 Overview discussion with the speakers and experts: Q&A Session Moderator: President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. AIGARS ROSTOVSKIS

17.00 - 17.30 Interactive introduction of Session Moderators for next day of the Forum

17.30 - 18.00 Conclusion and final musical performance, informal discussion

AGENDA

November 1, 2019, FRIDAY

9.00 - 10.00 Registration & Morning Coffee

10.00 - 12.00 PARALLEL SESSIONS I

SESSION I: FINANCIAL MARKET FOR BUSINESSES: SUPPORT OR BARRIERS? Moderators: Dr. oec. JELENA TITKO, Associate Professor at EKA University of Applied Sciences, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. VIKTORS BOLBATS, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • European regulatory policy: effect on businesses • The future of banking under the condition of money laundering • Financial support for Start-ups and SMEs as basis of increase of business • FinTech solutions – what businesses need to know? • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation?

Program: • Banking in the 21st Century (Mr. Viktors Bolbats, Co-Chair of the Strategic Development Committee at the Finance Latvia Association, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Baltic International bank, LATVIA) • Responsible Business with Quality Investments: what it means and what it needs? (Dr.sc.pol. Inese Stepiņa, Deputy Director of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), LATVIA) • Microfinances for Start-ups and SMEs (Mr. Juan Carlos Martínez Barrio, Director of the Projects Development Department of CEEI-Burgos, SPAIN) • Latvian Business is in Search for Alternative Finance Schemas (Mr. Sergejs Paramonovs, experience in top management positions at Dental Latvia, SPLAT Trading, Mogotel, LATVIA) • Turiba Business Index (Ph. D. Zane Driņķe, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Turiba University, LATVIA) • FinTech Companies in Latvia: the New Era of the Financial Sector? (Dr.oec., prof. Inna Romānova, Dr.oec., prof. Ramona Rupeika-Apoga, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Investment Solutions for Businesses during Low Interest Rates Era (Dr.oec. Julija Bistrova, CEO at the CE Services, SWITZERLAND/LATVIA) • Social Responsibility of Banks: Trend or Obligation? (Mrs. Dace Helmane, CEO of Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, LATVIA)

Venue: Hall on the 3rd Floor (Portretu zāle)

SESSION II: DIGITAL SOLUTIONS AS EFFICIENT TOOL FOR FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT Moderators: Dr. habil. oec. BAIBA RIVZA, Professor and Academician of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the Head of the state research program’s project INTERFRAME-LV, LATVIA Professor, Dr. SIGNE BĀLIŅA, President of the Latvian Association of Information and Communication Technologies, LATVIA

Questions for discussion: • Compliance of the established Network with today's requirements (in the country as a whole and regions) compared to Estonia and Lithuania • Objective factors limiting the use of digital environment in business (financial problems for SMEs, network availability, lack of specialists with appropriate knowledge and skills) • What needs to be solved by public authorities, by business and by employees themselves to improve business environment? • Directions of general education system development during the digitalization • Lifelong learning tasks in the conditions of digitalization of the economic environment

Program: • The Digital Economy and Society Index - Our Challengies (Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, full member of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA) • Capital Structure Uncovered: is it so different (PhD student Aija Pilvere-Javorska, Dr. oec. prof. Irina Pilvere, Dr.habil.oec., prof. Baiba Rivza, Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Specifics of Digitalized Professional Training for Nature-based Micro-entrepreneurs in Central Baltic Area (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Finance Regulators Financing Experience Abroad (Mg.sc.admin. Rita Vanaga, Chief Accountant at Financial and Capital Market Commission, LATVIA) • Digitalization Impact Variations on Content of Higher Economical Education and Life-long Learning (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Experience of Latvia-Estonia: Development of Innovative Solutions for Higher Education Institutions Entrepreneurship Study Programmes – Intensive Training Modules to Create Solutions for Business and Business Environment (Dr.oec., prof. Maira Lescevica, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • How Voluntary Pension Savings are Influenced by their Representation on Digital Sales Platforms and Social Media in Latvia compared to Lithuania and Estonia (Mg.sc.admin. Evija Dundure, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Differences in Digitalisation Skills for Female and Male Employees (Bs.admin. Sabīne Anete Vasina, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Business Process Automation of SMEs in the Post-digital Era (Dr.oec. Ilona Dubra, CEO of Jsc. Luxhouse, Mr. Daniils Vladimirovs, Computer Science student at University of Latvia and Finance student at BA School of Business and Finance, PricewaterhouseCoopers Latvia Associate in Tax Reporting, Accounting and Strategy, LATVIA)

• Some Challenges for Better Involvement of Socially Excluded Part of Inhabitants into Digitalisation (Mg.sc.admin, Mg.hist. Ginta Tora, Dr.chem. Juris Dzelme, Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Digitalisation Challenges for Households in Regions of Latvia (Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, Mg.sc.admin. Kate Čipāne, Dr.sc.admin. Inga Jēkabsone, Bs.admin. Emīls Volgasts, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Readiness for Digitalisation of Participants of Work-based-learning: Results from Recent Surveys of Employers, Vocational Education Institutions and Students (Dr.sc.admin. Ilze Buligina, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Public Administrations Dialog with Citizens - Opportunities of Digital Environment in Latvia (Mg.soc.sc. Eduards Lielpēters, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • The perspectives on Digital Transformation of Social Business in Belarus (Mr. Oleg Koleda, Head of sector of international competition and economic integration, Institute of economics of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, Coordinator of the National Contact Point (NCP) «Inclusive, innovative and intellectual society» by the program of the EU HORIZON-2020, Halina Matsiushenka, junior researcher, United Institute of informatics problems of the National academy of sciences of Belarus, BELARUS) • Modern Technologies in Use to Facilitate the Repatriation Process (Mrs. Olga Shulzinger, Dr.oec., prof. Ingrīda Jakušonoka, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology, LATVIA) • Evaluation of Climate Change Mitigation Potential of Management of Organic Soils in Agriculture (Ph.D. Ieva Licite, LATVIA) • The Relative Importance of Various Factors that Motivate Socially Responsible Purchases (Mg.sc.admin. Kristīne Casno, Dr.oec. prof. Daina Škiltere, Dr.oec., prof. Biruta Sloka, University of Latvia, LATVIA) • Innovation and Cooperation in Polycentric Regional Development as a Tool on the way of National Level Prosperity (Mg.sc.admin. Dace Štefenberga, Head of the Department of Development and Science, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, LATVIA) • Craft Quarter, City Spatial Solution for Business Development (Dr.oec. Andrejs Lazdins, Dr.oec. Liga Jankova, Dr.oec. Aina Dobele, Madara Dobele, LATVIA) • Deprived Areas in the Age of Digitalization (Phd student Mairita Stepina, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies) Venue: Hall on the 2nd Floor (Sēžu zāle)

12.00 - 12.30 Coffee Break, B2B, B2S and S2S meetings

12.30 - 14.30 PARALLEL SESSIONS II

SESSION III: THE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: THE KEY ISSUES FACED BY LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS Moderators: Associate Professor, Dr. oec. TATYANA BOIKOVA, Researcher at the Institute of Economics of Latvian Academy of Sciences, LATVIA Mr. GERALD HOPPSTAEDTER, entrepreneur, AUSTRIA Questions for discussion: • Providing an attractive investment environment: the international experiences of advanced industrialized and emerging economies • The decision-making by foreign investors • Trends in FDI flows dynamics and distribution • The key issues and risks faced by foreign investors • The main factors and new opportunities enhancing FDI inflow Program: • Foreign Direct Investment as Driver of Productivity in the Baltic States: How to Reach the Higher Hanging Fruit? (Mr. Mārtiņš Zemītis, European Semester Officer and economic analyst at the European Commission Representation in Latvia, LATVIA) • Municipality as Business Organisation Territorial Unit (Mr. Igor Meija, entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board of Apprime Ltd., LATVIA) • Why Latvia? How Good is Latvia in Attracting Foreign Investments (Mr. Rolando Huapaija-Delgado, Senior Investment Advisor at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, LATVIA) • Threats of Economic Environment and Labor Market for Foreign SME in Latvia (Mr. Frederic Dehondt, President of the French Chamber of Commerce in Latvia, FRANCE/LATVIA) • Latvia in Competition for Investments Coming from France. Case studies. Challenges for Those in Action (Mrs. Solvita Gulbe, Head of Economic Representation Office of Investment and Development Agency of Latvia in France, LATVIA) • Attracting EU Investments for SMEs (Mrs. Marija Plotniece, H2020 SME Instrument Risk Finance senior expert, LATVIA) • Possible Purchasing Prices for Blue Mussel Products from the Baltic Sea (Mg.sc.admin. Zaiga Ozoliņa, Project manager, Kurzeme Planning Region, LATVIA) • Foreign Direct Investment Flows and the Issues of Its Efficiency (Dr. oec. Tatyana Boikov