Kārlis Purmalis is an associate professor at University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics and leading researcher. Having obtained a doctorate in economics and as a leading researcher participated in many research projects, is the author of international scientific publications. His research interests are cost-effectiveness of preventive activities in medicine, labor market and entrepreneurship. With passion, he gives lectures to students in the courses "Labour economics", "Business strategies and policy management", "Fundamentals of business" and "Strategic and operational planning".

Kārlis Purmalis is an associate professor at University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics and leading researcher. Having obtained a doctorate in economics and as a leading researcher participated in many research projects, is the author of international scientific publications. His research interests are cost-effectiveness of preventive activities in medicine, labor market and entrepreneurship. With passion, he gives lectures to students in the courses "Labour economics", "Business strategies and policy management", "Fundamentals of business" and "Strategic and operational planning".

In the lecture "Development of the Latvian economy and prospects for increasing competitiveness", the development of the Latvian economy since regaining independence in 1991 will be discussed, and the peculiarities of its development will be shown. The lecture will evaluate Latvia's competitiveness, as well as the impact of innovations on Latvia's competitiveness in the European Union.