To promote innovative approaches and begin preparations for the modernisation of higher education processes, a competence development programme — Digitalisation of the Study Process: Vision, Process and Change Management Framework — was held at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) on 7 and 21 April of this year. The event brought together administrative staff from eight higher education institutions to jointly model sector transformation and prepare for the introduction of new technological solutions.
The programme was organised in two active working sessions:
In the first session, participants analysed the current situation and identified the key anticipated changes and challenges facing higher education over the next 10 years. Particular attention was paid to the development of a student-centred approach. Participants worked hands-on to create user experience stories, which helped to better understand students’ needs, motivations, and study pathways.
In the second working session, participants discussed user experience stories in groups, examining what currently hinders the implementation of processes that better meet user needs and how to reduce those barriers. They also assessed the stages related to the study process, identified the main challenges in meeting future requirements and implementing change, and explored ways to address them. The session concluded with participants agreeing that close cooperation among sector representatives and the pursuit of shared solutions are essential for high-quality and modern higher education development.
Design Thinking Workshop, 21.04.2026 — photo gallery
