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.
A video about BSC's dissemination, exploitation, communication and outreach activities can be found here.
Blog 
BSC contributes to the European discussion on the Long Term Vision for Rural Areas
16 / 02 / 2021
Shall we weed vegetable gardens through augmented reality glasses? BSC researchers contribute to the European discussion on the Long Term Vision for Rural Areas and the role digitalisation will play in shaping rural futures.
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.
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
Research assistant
Specialises in studies of sustainable consumption. Holds interest in themes related to materiality and affect
Research assistant
Specialises in urban studies and energy transition. Interested in topics of urban gardening, mobility, degrowth and activism
Research assistant
Specialises in sustainable rural development solutions, digitisation, knowledge transfer, community development strategies and implementation. Interested in social anthropology, illuminating the daily habits and attitudes of society
PROJECTS
PUBLICATIONS
Academic publications
10 / 01 / 2021
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
