Mini MBA training course “Innovation Management”

The training is intended for:

• employees of Latvian SMEs – middle and senior managers, i.e., members of the board and council, founders, heads of structural units and their deputies – innovation and development process managers;
• only one employee per merchant may be nominated for training during the period 2024-2027;
• SME merchants who operate, develop products, services, or technologies in one of the five areas of specialization defined in the Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3).
• SME merchants who have already implemented, are implementing, or plan to implement innovations in their companies;
• the training will be conducted in English, and specialists must have English language skills at least at the B2 level in order to be able to follow the theory presentation and participate in the practical seminars without difficulty
• a merchant may participate in the training only once during the 2024 and 2027 period

Training objectives

1. Improve management capabilities and accelerate organisational growth, thereby promoting both competitiveness in global markets and export capacity and productivity;
2. Provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills for developing, motivating, and managing innovation capabilities, including:

• increasing self-effectiveness in managing innovation in organisations;
• understanding the best strategies and tools for implementing innovations and solutions;
• learning to identify innovation goals and evaluate their feasibility and the applicability of methods;
• improving leadership skills in organising and managing innovation management processes;
• understanding the principles of setting priorities and knowing how to plan the implementation of innovations;
• learning the principles of sustainable innovation;
• acquiring practical skills applicable in business operations with the mentoring and consulting support of a lecturer or specialist in the field of business management

Training content

Over the course of ten weeks, Mini MBA programme participants will have the opportunity to learn from local and international lecturers on such important topics as:

• Trends in modern technology development;
• Innovation and strategy;
• Fundamentals of design thinking;
• Product strategy;
• Product and business model innovation;
• Process innovation;
• Innovation management in business;
• Problem-solving skills;
• Negotiation management;
• Innovation and leadership, building high-performance teams;
• Financial issues related to innovation development.

The programme will also offer an “innovation lab” and a mentor to assist in the creation and market launch of new products and services.

A detailed description of the training is available (PDF)

The training costs are EUR 3872.07, which are 100% covered by de minimis aid.

Please note that the training costs will only be covered (co-funded) if the training is successfully completed and certificates are received! Otherwise, the merchant will have to repay the full amount of the training fee to LIAA.

Training attendance in person is mandatory. 

• The training is provided by lecturers from the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga and foreign guest lecturers;
• The training for Group 6 will start on 16 April 2026;
• Training duration is 10-12 weeks;
• One group consists of 20 students;
• Courses will take place in person in Riga, at Strēlnieku iela 4A;
• One representative of each merchant may participate in the training;

List of lecturers (PDF)

Training schedule for Group 6 (PDF updated on April 17, 2026)

Application for training:

• Group 6. Applications will be open from 3 March 2026 at 10:00.
  • Using the business.gov.lv e-service
  • Procedures for evaluation and aid (PDF)
  • Annex 1 “Training application” (DOCX)
  • Annex 2 “Checklist” (DOCX)
  • Annex 3 “Methodology for completing the checklist and evaluating criteria” (DOCX)

Please note that:

• During the 2024-2027 period, merchants may submit an application and participate in training only once
• The selection process will remain open until 20 applicants who meet the requirements have been selected. Participants will be ranked in order of application submission time.

• Application submission at business.gov.lv
• LIAA evaluates applications within one month;
• In the event of a positive decision, LIAA concludes a contract with the merchant;
• Training process;
• After successfully completing the training course, participants will receive a training certificate issued by the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga and will be entitled to participate in the activities of the university’s alumni network.

Contract template (PDF)

In accordance with Cabinet Regulation No. 407, Riga, 13 July 2023 (Protocol No. 36, § 84), Annex 2, non-eligible industries and activities for which no aid is provided:

1. Trade industry – according to NACE Rev. 2. Section G “Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles”, except for group 45.2 “Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles”.
2. Financial intermediation industry– according to NACE Rev. 2 Section K “Financial and insurance activities”, except for financial technology enterprises, i.e. enterprises that develop new business models, implement innovations, create new financial products and services, and improve service delivery methods and business models.
3. Commercial services industry – according to NACE Rev. 2 Section L “Real estate activities” and Section 77 “Rental and leasing activities”.
4. Gambling industry – according to NACE Rev. 2 Section R “Arts, entertainment and recreation” Group 92 “Gambling and betting activities”.

In accordance with Article 1(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) of Commission Regulation No. 2023/2831.