Research
Student research is an integral part of the study process. It promotes professional growth, develops analytical thinking, and provides students with the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of current issues in the field, based on both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. During their studies, students conduct research projects in which they:
• analyse current industry challenges and development trends;
• collect, process, and analyse data;
• develop proposals for improving the operations of companies and organizations;
• test new solutions in practice.
Research is integrated into study courses, thesis projects, and internships, ensuring a close alignment with the demands of the labour market. The college regularly hosts research seminars where students present their research ideas, interim results, and final projects. These seminars serve as a significant platform for students’ professional growth and for strengthening the research environment at the college.
Collaboration with regional companies, farms, and institutions provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in a real-world work environment, analyse specific business processes, and participate in industry projects and the implementation of innovations. Such cooperation promotes the development of practically applicable research and strengthens the link between education and entrepreneurship.
Student research conducted in collaboration with academic staff covers several areas:
Development of agriculture and crop production
• Improving crop yield quality and productivity
• Sustainable cultivation technologies
• Comparison of crop varieties
Car service organization and vehicle technologies
• Analysis of vehicle and equipment technology
• Investigation of the causes of technical defects
• Industry trends and modernization opportunities
Woodworking technologies
• Research into new materials and processing methods
• Improvement of manufacturing processes
• Enhancement of the quality of wood products
Entrepreneurship and competitiveness
• Assessment of production and service efficiency
• Issues related to business competitiveness and modernization
Smart tourism as a business in rural areas
• Development of new tourism services
• Development of sustainable tourism practices
• Utilizing cultural and natural heritage in tourism offerings
• Applying digital technologies to improve tourism services
Agriculture students have the opportunity to conduct research on the evaluation of the economic characteristics of agricultural plant varieties and to gain knowledge about the yield, resilience, and adaptability of new crop varieties to the climatic conditions of Latvia, particularly the Latgale region. These trials are essential for the development of sustainable agriculture, particularly in light of the goals of the European Green Deal - the comparison of varieties’ suitability for specific growing conditions. Research is conducted in collaboration with academic staff, combining theoretical knowledge with practical field experience. This provides students with the opportunity to learn data collection, evaluation, and analysis, as well as to understand how a selected variety affects crop quality and economic efficiency.