SCIENCE, RESEARCH AND CREATIVITY

The development of science and creative activity is one of the priorities of the EKA University of Applied Sciences, which is defined in EKA′s development strategy - EKAAS2023.

The aim of the priority is “Achieve high-level internationally recognized research and innovation results, which are promoted through targeted cooperation between lecturers, students, local and international partner universities, as well as industry, thus ensuring research-based studies, appropriate lecturers′ scientific qualifications and industry research.”

Rules and procedures of the organization, management and financing of research and artistic activities at EKA are determined in the Regulations on Research and Artistic Activities.

EKA′s main goals and performance indicators are summarized in the DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR SCIENCE AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY 2021-2023 (ZRDAS2023). The main priorities for the development of science are:

• Quality assurance in research and creativity
• Involvement of lecturers in research and creative activity in each field of study
• Involvement of students in research and creative activity in each field of study
• Cooperation in research and creativity
• Reputation of EKA

Priority "Quality Assurance in Research and Creative Activities" (Pr1)

Institutions of higher education are obliged to carry out scientific activities (Law on Scientific Activities, Article 19 (1)). In order to carry out scientific activities, the university needs academic staff with scientific qualifications, which is confirmed by a doctoral degree, the status of an expert of the Latvian Council of Science, and high-quality scientific publications. The evaluation of the quality of research and creative activity is also based on the achievements of lecturers and students, as well as the achievements of EKA in the implementation of projects and attraction of funding.

Priority „Involvement of lecturers in research and creative activity in each study direction ” (Pr2)

One of the evaluation criteria of the study field is “Involvement of the teaching staff in scientific research and / or artistic creation”. To achieve results in this direction, EKA plans to introduce new practices in building international research teams. In addition, it is planned to establish a lecturer evaluation system, in which the criteria for research and creative activity will play an important role, as well as an appropriate financial motivation system.

Priority „Involvement of students in research and creative activity in each field of study” (Pr3)

"Involvement of students in scientific research" is also important in the evaluation criteria of the study direction.

The EKA University of Applied Sciences implements study programs in five study directions: 1) Economics, 2) Management, Administration and Real Estate Management, 3) Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Control and Computer Science, 4) Law, and 5) Arts.

The priority of EKA in the study process is in research-based studies, which envisage the integration of the “student as researchers” approach into study programs at all levels. “Students-researchers in the context of higher education mean a pedagogical approach aimed at supporting students′ involvement in order to supplement their knowledge and improve their skills. (Walkington, The Higher Education Academy, 2015)

Priority „Cooperation in research and creativity” (Pr4)

In defining the objectives for promoting cooperation in research and creative activities, cooperation was viewed from several points of view:

• Institutional cooperation - cooperation between EKA lecturers
• National cooperation - cooperation of EKA lecturers with lecturers of other Latvian universities
• International cooperation - cooperation of EKA lecturers with lecturers of foreign universities
• EKA cooperation with the business sector (academic-corporate collaboration)

Priority „Reputation of EKA” (Pr5)

Scientific reputation is a precondition for improving the overall reputation of the university in the academic environment, which in turn promotes the increase of the university′s recognition among students, promotes cooperation with other universities and institutions, ensures the loyalty of the academic staff.