Fortunata Eisaka

Māris Eisaks, EPC, Ltd.

Abstract:

This article analyses the interaction between movement towards a knowledge-based society and rural development in Latvia, as well as the conformity of a knowledge-based economy to the national structural policy for rural development. It is ascertained that Latvia’s movement towards a knowledge-based society, which is identified in major national strategic documents as a goal, has not been realised in rural development policy; therefore, in rural areas the development of a knowledge-based society is only slightly observable. The concept of a knowledge-based economy in national structural policy, which defines rural development, is not laid out in detail, and the identified relevant measures are general and fragmentary. Authors of this article forecast that there will be no changes in the development of agriculture in the near future. In 2008, before the economic crisis, development could be observed in some spheres, while other spheres were liquidated. Experts forecast that with the increasing efficiency of production, the number of people employed in agriculture will decrease. Opportunities to work in other spheres should be provided in order to preserve the number of rural inhabitants. Therefore, there is a need for effective restructuring of the rural economy. It is concluded that the restructuring policy for rural areas in Latvia is vague and that the effect of a knowledge-based society in rural areas has not been assessed. Restructuring is slow and dependent on the receptivity of rural inhabitants to new ideas and proposals. Nevertheless, examples of successful development of new spheres can be observed in rural areas.

Elīna Egle, Employers’ Confederation of Latvia

Abstract:

            Rapid changes in financial markets proved that Latvia’s economy was unable to adapt in a timely way to globalisation, to avoid the risks it created, and to take advantage of the open economy. A drop in the GDP and an increase in unemployment signal the need to pay attention to structural changes in the national economy. In order to understand the opportunities for change, the author analyses work organisation by assuming that changes in work organisation could help to overcome the economic downturn and increase labour productivity. The section on how work organisation can contribute to increasing Latvia’s competitiveness and strengthening its knowledge-based society focuses on the most significant forecasts regarding economic development in Latvia and the degree to which these forecasts correspond to the current work organisation and to opportunities provided by the cooperation of social partners. This assessment is performed on the basis of studies conducted in the European Union, and it analyses the opportunities and limits of Latvia’s competitiveness. Aspects of Taylorism and modern work organisation are also analysed in order to understand changes in work organisation. Types of work organisation are assessed from the perspective of different sectors. The article also assesses the role of social partners in sector management, describes opportunities and makes recommendations for improving work organisation and strengthening social partnerships. 

Ilona Baumane, Mg.oec., Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Latvia

Ērika Šumilo, Dr.oec., Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Latvia

Inna Dovladbekova, Dr.oec., Faculty of European Studies of the Rīgas Stradiņa University

Abstract:

            This article analyses the role of cooperation, social networks and social capital in stimulating innovations in enterprises which shape the basis for a knowledge-based economy in Latvia. Although Latvia has participated in EU’s assessments of innovative activities, the results of these assessments have never been analysed in terms of social capital. By using comparative reports, one can compare the situation in Latvia with the situation in other countries. The first part of the article addresses theoretical aspects of social capital and creation of innovations. The second part gives an insight into two of the most popular instruments used for comparing European countries in the field of innovations, namely, the European Innovation Scoreboard and the Community Innovation Survey. The third part analyses the effect of social capital on the indicators of a national innovation system in Latvia. In the final part, data obtained from the most recent Community Innovation Survey are used to  analyse the effect of cooperation on creating innovations in Latvia’s and Estonia’s food industry.

Jānis Bērziņš, Riga Stradiņa University, Faculty of European Studies, Department of Political Sciences

Abstract:

The term knowledge society refers to the specific form assumed by the capitalist system in the last forty years, and it also represents its specific social, economic, ideological, and political systems. Although there is a strong rhetoric denying it, it is quite obvious that politics and economics are interconnected and that their relationship influences the social dynamics by establishing specific patterns of ideological dominance. One characteristic of the knowledge society is the negation of any form of connection between these variables while denying its ideological character. The alleged separation of the political from the economic and the social forms the basis of Schumpeterian democracy, which becomes the knowledge society’s political model, just as neoliberalism becomes its economic model. This paper analyses the specific patterns of this model in Latvia.

Andrejs Berdņikovs, Mg.pol. sc., Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Latvia

Abstract:

The article focuses on the production of alternative knowledge. While official knowledge maintains and reproduces the hegemony of the elite, alternative knowledge is the intellectual and cultural germ of another world. Web 2.0 has provided new possibilities and improved the basis for generating, sharing and disseminating alternative knowledge. However, in order to have a social impact, alternative knowledge needs to undergo a socialization process and to have driving forces behind it. Normally, these tasks are accomplished by social movements. The author argues that social movements in the West and the ex-Soviet region differ substantially in the nature of knowledge they produce and bring into the public space. Latvia is in an anomalous situation because the complete absence of social movements reduces the country’s ability to find alternatives and new perspectives. In periods of crisis and emergency situations, the lack of such an ability can have tragic consequences.

Ilze Ostrovska, Dr.phil., Baltic International Academy, Lomonosova ielā 4, Rīga, LV-1003, Latvia

Abstract:

The lack of a single long-term development strategy concept for Latvia has resulted in a contradictory and fragmented economic policy that is often cited as one of the causes of economic problems in Latvia. Why didn’t the situation in Latvia change after Latvia became an EU candidate country and subsequently an EU member state? Relatively few specialists are informed about the development policy; people generally think that no relevant programmes and plans have been developed or that the existing ones do not take into account the economic reality in Latvia and the conditions of global competition. This article analyses the understanding which dominates in Latvia regarding the national development strategy and the strategic development of a knowledge-based society, including the role of social awareness and the mass media; it proposes media discourse as the main representation arena for a national strategic development policy.

Maija Kūle, acad., Dr.habil.phil., Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Latvia, Akadēmijas laukums 1, Rīga, LV 1940, Latvia

 Abstract:

The article analyses the role of the natural sciences and humanities in building a knowledge-based society. Existing theories on a knowledge-based society overemphasise the role of the natural sciences and underestimate the role of the humanities. Indeed, the natural sciences offer practical benefits to people and seemingly better serve the desire of society to rule over nature, but they cannot explain why and how discoveries should be used. A modern knowledge-based society is unconceivable without a humanistic dimension rooted in culture because it is the humanities, not merely technological constructivism, which shapes today’s economy. Furthermore, modern knowledge is characterised by differentiation and fragmentation, which lead to the loss of holism and interconnection (meta-knowledge) based on fundamental values. The author believes that without the humanities it is impossible to acquire knowledge of totality because a ‘digest’ of knowledge and creativity of knowledge are stimulated by orientation towards higher values and common goals of social development which cannot be defined merely as economic growth. In analysing knowledge and a knowledge-based society, the author juxtaposes the amount of knowledge and the moral value of knowledge. Equally significant is the issue of global and local development and the application of knowledge – can there be different national strategies for building knowledge, or is the increase of knowledge a global process because of the universal nature of knowledge itself? The article also touches on problems related to intellectual property by taking into account the supranational character of knowledge and the de facto existence of the e-world.

Rinalds Zembahs, Mg.phil., Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Latvia, Akadēmijas laukums 1, Rīga, LV 1940, Latvia

Abstract:

As the answer to the author’s question: What are the prospects for knowledge-based society in Latvia?, article analyses one perspective of the knowledge-based society concept, namely, the role of thirst for knowledge and interests in development of research. Since the Enlightenment in the end of the 18th century, knowledge-based society has constantly been a leading motif in European history. However, it cannot be said that this motif has linearly progressed and gained power; it has faced various obstacles under the influence of various social movements which, at least from the perspective of dissemination of knowledge, can be regarded as ‘regressive’. On its basics, research knowledge cannot be matched with the way in which by now societies and countries have understood and legitimised themselves (often it has been in a clearly ‘mythical’ dimension). This article juxtaposes thirst for knowledge and interests, as well as ways for overcoming this juxtaposition. Conglomerate of interests is a special context in which a need for knowledge-based society becomes clearly conscious.

Velga Vēvere, Mg. phil., Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Latvia, Akadēmijas laukums 1, Rīga, LV 1940, Latvia

Abstract:

The article addresses the special role of universities in building a knowledge-based society.  According to education sociologist Gerard Delanty, the university is a place where knowledge, culture and society interact; it is the producer and transformer of knowledge as science and knowledge as culture.  This article, adopting Delanty’s perspective, analyses the role of universities in Latvia in forming a knowledge-based society, changes that are taking place in universities, and the role of philosophically oriented disciplines in universities. The author indicates that it is characteristic of modern universities to decrease the role of ‘pure’ humanities and to integrate philosophy into the research system. The article contains interviews with five associate professors and professors of philosophy from four of the largest institutions of higher education in Latvia.

Andrejs Balodis, Mg.phil., Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the University of Latvia, Akadēmijas laukums 1, Rīga, LV 1940, Latvia

Abstract:

This article is devoted to the concept of axiology, namely, the study of values, in the context of understanding and analysing the concept of a knowledge-based society. Thus, first of all, one has to explain the axiological, or value-oriented, perspective and its interpretation of a knowledge-based society. Second, one must explain how this perspective can help to clarify the concept of a knowledge-based society; that is, how does this perspective differ from analyses performed according to economic, social or cultural theories? Third, when addressing the subject of values, possibly it is worthwhile to broaden and universalise the matter, namely, to indicate that values can become a real problem and challenge for understanding knowledge and modern society of the 21st century.

Andrejs Geske, Dr. oec., professor, Faculty of Education and Psychology of the University of Latvia, Jūrmalas gatve 74/76, Rīga, LV 1083, Latvija

Andris Grīnfelds, Dr. phys., professor, Faculty of Education and Psychology of the University of Latvia, Jūrmalas gatve 74/76, Rīga, LV-1083, Latvija

Andris Kangro, Dr. phys., professor, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the University of Latvia, Jūrmalas gatve 74/76, Rīga, LV 1083, Latvija

Abstract:

The article analyses a wide spectrum of issues related to problems, challenges and development strategies of Latvia’s education system. The article analyses documents that regulate the activities of pre-schools, primary schools, secondary schools and higher education institutions, as well as the strategic development plan that is oriented towards Latvia’s transition to a knowledge-based society in an environment enriched by modern information and communication technologies.

This article focuses on the role of scientifically based information in the strategic planning of a sustainable development of the education system and the adoption of political decisions. Particular attention is paid to problems in teacher education and to the teaching profession’s problems in society. Possible solutions are offered.

Tālavs Jundzis, Dr. iur., Dr. habil. sc. pol., Latvian Academy of Sciences, Baltic Strategic Research Centre, Akademijas laukums 1, Rīga, LV1524

Abstract:

One of the most important prerequisites for developing a knowledge-based society is protection of intellectual property, including authors’ rights. Only by ensuring effective intellectual property protection, there is the prospect of flourishing creative activity and expansion of innovation in society, both of which enhance the competitiveness of the state in a global market. 

Authors’ rights protection in Latvia has been fully harmonized with international legislation; Latvia has integrated all European Union directives in this sphere. However, lack of a reasoned and just interpretation of these provisions and their effective application persists as the main problem. In order to promote these processes, legislators should improve and simplify the comparatively complicated and convoluted legal construction of the Copyright Law, which secures the economic rights of an author.

Although protection of authors’ rights is regulated in great detail, the legal framework can still be improved. One of the reasons for this situation is that legal provisions cannot keep up with the rapid development of technology. Another problem is maintaining a balance between authors’ rights and the public interest so that creative activities and innovations can develop and serve society. This matter still has not been successfully resolved in the European Union. The article suggests recommendations for settling and managing these issues.

Andrejs Vilks, Dr. iur., Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Riga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema iela 16, Rīga, LV 1007, D-korp., 

Abstract:

Studies on a knowledge-based society deal with a wide range of problems, including the seldom studied aspect of crime. The criminology perspective in the context of a knowledge-based society is related to the use of new knowledge in antisocial and criminal activities, the use of new knowledge and innovative approaches in combating and preventing crime, as well as the development of new methodology in research and analysis of unfavourable and threatening trends in the formation of a knowledge-based society. The use of new technologies and methods often is not specified in regulatory documents; that can cause additional risks in their use, result in socially unfavourable or even criminal consequences or lead to using the acquired products and knowledge in achieving antisocial aims.

Andrejs Berdņikovs, Mg.pol. sc., Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Latvia, Lomonosova iela 1A, Rīga, LV-1019, Latvia

 Abstract:

The study analyses the impact of the interaction of social development stages on the development of a knowledge-based society. The author indicates that according to the ideas of the Enlightenment, which stress the concept of progress and the accumulation of knowledge, a knowledge-based society can be regarded as the highest stage of development in modern society. However, during the past 15 years trends can be observed which threaten the ideals of the Enlightenment and modern society and which thereby pose risks to a knowledge-based society before it has had a chance to form. This article analyses two major threats. By applying the doctrine of integral traditionalism, the author describes the revolt of traditional society against modern society. In order to reveal the threats caused by post-modern society, he also analyses the impact of the Internet on human thinking, behaviour and perception of the world. The author admits that the revolt of traditional society against the values of modern society has not yet significantly affected Latvia and its society. They are more threatened by post-modern society, particularly the harmful aspects of Internet use.

Ilze Ostrovska, Dr.phil., Baltic International Academy, Lomonosova ielā 4, Rīga, LV-1003, Latvia

 Abstract:

The report by the European Commission’s group of experts contains an appeal to take a knowledge-based society seriously; that might imply that such a society should be politicised. In other words, if a knowledge-based society gains the authority of a country’s institutional component, it has to fulfil the following three essential requirements – reporting, representation and trust. In the context of developing a knowledge-based society, this article analyses trust in research and in those who report its results, namely, experts. It also analyses the causes of alienation and its manifestation as an integral part of society’s political trust. The article analyses factors which determine the development of trust in societies in which consolidation of democracy is in the initial stage. On the basis of theoretical statements regarding strategic and moral trust, the role of general and particular trust in society’s development, as well as the results of an opinion poll, the article explains the influence of trust on developing a knowledge-based society in Latvia.