The maximum number of applications for the seventh cohort of the Mini MBA programme “Innovation Management”, implemented by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), was reached in just 28 minutes. Applications opened on Friday, 13 August at 10:00 and closed at 10:28.
The seventh cohort has 20 places available. Applications are ranked in the order in which they are submitted, while LIAA assesses applicants’ eligibility under the programme requirements and decides whether to grant support. Submitting an application does not in itself guarantee participation in the programme.
“The fact that applications closed in less than half an hour shows that companies need this kind of knowledge. A good idea alone is not enough — businesses need to know how to develop it, implement it within the company and find a market for it. The strong interest demonstrates that business leaders want to acquire practical skills that help turn innovation into competitive products and business growth,” says LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere.
Knowledge for business growth and export competitiveness
The Mini MBA in “Innovation Management” is a high-level business training programme implemented by LIAA in cooperation with the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga). It is designed for middle and senior managers of Latvian small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as managers responsible for innovation and development processes.
Companies operating in or developing products, services or technologies in one of the areas covered by Latvia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) are eligible to apply. Between 2024 and 2027, each company may participate in the programme once, nominating one employee for the training.
The programme helps business leaders acquire the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement innovation and promote business growth, productivity and export competitiveness.
Over a period of ten to twelve weeks, participants study innovation strategy, trends in modern technology development, design thinking, product and business model innovation, process innovation, negotiation management, leadership, effective team building and financial issues related to innovation development.
During the programme, participants also work in an “innovation laboratory” and receive mentoring while developing and implementing new products, services and business processes.
“We are truly pleased to see such strong interest in the programme, as reflected in the pace of applications. As a university, it is important for us to contribute to Latvia’s growth by educating not only young people but also business professionals who, in turn, contribute to the country’s economic development,” comments SSE Riga Rector Anders Paalzow.
Training for the seventh cohort will begin on 23 September 2026 and will take place in person, in English, at SSE Riga. The programme will be taught by SSE Riga faculty and international guest lecturers.
Another application round will open at the end of 2026 for the programme’s eighth cohort, which will also have 20 places. Training for the eighth cohort is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2027. Information about the opening of applications will be published separately on the LIAA website and its business development platform.
Programme knowledge applied in day-to-day business
During the first training cycle of the Mini MBA programme, 80 managers and innovation process leaders from Latvian small and medium-sized enterprises completed the programme across four cohorts. Participants represented technology, manufacturing, food, digital solutions, pharmaceuticals and other RIS3 sectors.
Following the first cycle, fifth and sixth cohorts were also established. Applications for both cohorts were likewise closed after reaching the maximum number of applicants.
Participants from previous cohorts say they continue to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme in their day-to-day work. Pāvels Razmajevs, head of Latvian deep-tech company Eventech, applies what he learned in the programme to financial and risk management, as well as the use of artificial intelligence. Eventech technologies are used in international space research projects, including the European Space Agency’s HERA mission.
Alise Novikova, head of fibreglass reinforcement manufacturer HMP Group, highlights the balance between the programme’s theoretical and practical content, the applicability of the knowledge to everyday business operations, and the network of executives from other industries established during the programme.
Training costs covered through de minimis aid
The full cost of the course for one participant is €3,872.07. This is covered in full through de minimis aid granted to the participating company.
For the costs to remain eligible, the participant must successfully complete the programme and receive a Mini MBA certificate. If the programme is not successfully completed, the company must reimburse LIAA for the full participation fee.
The training is implemented by LIAA under the project “Support for the Development of Innovative Entrepreneurship in SMEs”, with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Union.
More information about the Mini MBA programme “Innovation Management”, its requirements and selection procedure is available on the LIAA business development platform: Mini MBA “Innovation Management” programme.
About the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA)
The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is a government agency under the supervision of the Ministry of Economics that helps Latvian companies grow in international markets, attract investment and develop innovation. LIAA supports business exports, entry into new markets, the implementation of investment projects and the strengthening of Latvia’s competitiveness in the global economy.
