Baltic Studies Centre (BSC) is a private non-profit research institute specialising in studies of sustainable rural and regional development, agro-food systems, farming and innovations
About
Baltic Studies Centre (BSC) is a private non-profit research organisation in the field of social sciences. Since establishment in 1991 BSC has carried out over 40 research projects including 15 EU Framework Programme projects. The areas of BSC expertise include sociology, sustainable agriculture, food supply chains, innovation networks, peri-urban agriculture, community development, public policy analysis.
BSC undertakes action oriented research strategies and cooperates with producers’ organisations, policy makers, municipalities, SMEs, and other research and advisory organisations nationally and internationally. This helps to focus the research on the needs of practitioners and enhance practical innovations.
Blog 
First look at SINFO focus group discussion data
05 / 11 / 2020
In October, students of the undergraduate programme in sociology (University of Latvia) were engaged in the project SINFO to conduct three focus group discussions (FGD). In these discussions we wanted to gain a more in-depth understanding of issues raised in the public opinion survey.
BSC contributes to student training at the University of Latvia
29 / 10 / 2020
In September-October 2020, BSC provided an opportunity for sociology bachelor students from the University of Latvia to participate in the organisation of focus groups with consumers within the framework of the project SINFO ("Social innovation in food provision: Pathways to sustainable production and consumption"), thereby contributing to student training and involvement in scientific research.
How to benefit from wild products?
21 / 07 / 2020
Have you ever wondered - can I commercialise berries, mushrooms or other wild products? Answer these two questions and you will receive an answer on how to do it!
How much effort should you expend on sourcing food?
25 / 02 / 2020
My colleagues and I are currently working on a project called SINFO. The overall purpose of the project is to gain a better understanding of social innovation in food provision and think about how we could enable practical innovations towards sustainable food production and consumption in Latvia. One of the first things we did, whilst still working on the conceptual framework, was to create a database of sorts of all the initiatives in Latvia that are related to food in general and more sustainable approaches to consumption and distribution in particular. One of the initiatives we looked at is the internet platform svaigi.lv.
Coordination of Cultural Life in Tukums: An Outsider's Take
11 / 02 / 2020
Last week Anda and I attended the third seminar dedicated to the cultural strategy of Tukums. As far as I understand, this will likely be the last seminar for a good while, unless additional input from stakeholders is necessary to develop the document. The next event in this series will probably be the presentation of the first draft of the cultural strategy, and it will take place sometime in June 2020.
Once Upon a Time in Tukums: Further Observations on a Cultural Strategy
20 / 01 / 2020
Last week my colleague Miķelis and I went to Tukums to participate in a seminar where the strategic framework for the cultural strategy of Tukums municipality was presented. Well, I say “participate”, but in reality we were there as observers.
Team
Dr.sc.soc., Senior researcher
Specialises in rural development, small farms, agro-food systems and innovation
Dr.sc.soc., Researcher
Specialises in sustainable food systems and food practices in Latvia, rural development and innovation. Also interested in education and methodological questions
Dr.sc.soc., Researcher
Specialises in science and technology studies, public understanding of science, science communication, research and innovation policy, knowledge transfer
Dr.sc.soc., Researcher
Specialises in rural innovation, agricultural knowledge systems, informal learning, short supply chains and small farm development strategies
Ph.D., Researcher
Specialises in social studies of science, technology and expertise
B.A., research assistant
Specialises in studies of sustainable consumption. Holds interest in themes related to materiality and affect
PROJECTS
PUBLICATIONS
Academic publications
22 / 10 / 2020
BSC has published multiple academic articles during last decades. Click "Continue Reading" to get more information.
Research reports
30 / 05 / 2020
In our studies we have been participating in a large number of research projects. Here are the links to most of research reports. Click "Read more" to continue.
Media articles
26 / 04 / 2019
Some of our studies have been reflected in mass media. Here are some sources where our studies have appeared.
Policy recommendations
14 / 09 / 2015
Many of our studies have been practically oriented and have had policy recommendations as one of outputs. Here are some of the policy recommendation documents.
Partners
