Browsing by Author "Uvarova, Inga"

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    Challenges of the introduction of circular business models within rural SMEs of EU
    (2020) Uvarova, Inga; Atstaja, Dzintra; Korpa, Viola
    Recently the circular economy has got a lot of attention within discussions of policy makers, academics and practitioners. The circular economy proposes the treatment of environmental and climate change problems, simultaneously promising benefits for the business. The circular economy promotes the reduction of the consumption and reuse or recycling of the resources that in various aspects contradicts traditional business models that stream to linear growth of sales of their products. Yet the circular economy concept has been more discussed regarding its global scale, but there is a lack of scientific discussions about the approaches of the adoption of circular economy principles on the business level. This paper conceptualises multi-level dimensions of the circular economy and highlights challenges related to the perception of the circular economy principles in the micro business level. The conducted research shows that rural SMEs of six EU countries have rarely heard about the circular economy and even less about circular business models. While rural SMEs are more familiar with the bio and green economies forming good base for developing circular business models, they are reluctant towards introducing new business models. This paper aims to assess the level of the advancement in introduction of the circular business models among rural SMEs of EU countries. This article emphasizes the circular economy as an inseparable part of the business models of rural SMEs and rural economies of EU countries. This study has a policy implication as we suggest that the government should play an important role in promotion of circular business models in rural SMEs. The existing public support system is fragmented, and in most cases just incidentally encourage rural SMEs to adopt new circular business models. Also, the circular economy on a local level, especially in rural areas, has an important role in ensuring social wellbeing of local inhabitants. The methodological approach and research results presented in the paper can be used further developing EU support system and priorities beyond 2020.
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    CIRCULAR ECONOMY DRIVEN INNOVATIONS WITHIN BUSINESS MODELS OF RURAL SMEs
    (Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija, 2019) Uvarova, Inga; Atstaja, Dzintra; Vitola, Alise; Lubkina, Velta; Zvaigzne, Anda; Kotāne, Inta
    The competitiveness of rural SMEs is low due to economic inefficiency and the lack of innovations. The main challenges faced by rural SMEs are the limited scale, the distance form larger sales markets, R&D and business support institutions, and the lack of innovative spirit. The circular and bio-economies are shaping the rural SMEs towards the environmentally friendly and eco-efficient production, the minimization of the generation of waste and less use of natural resources. This potential of the adoption of new business models within rural SMEs is not fully observed.The aim of this research is to analyse the opportunities of rural SMEs in introducing the innovative business models driven by the circular economy. This research explores the innovative business models of rural SMEs that transform the environmental challenges in business opportunities and keep a balance with the growing consumption needs. The results of the research are of both theoretical and practical value, providing recommendations for facilitation of innovative business models within rural SMEs. The research methods: desk research, statistical analysis, a grounded theory approach, case study, primary data gathering through seven focus groups with more than 200 stakeholders from six European countries.  
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    COLLABORATION COMPETENCIES AND GREEN BUSINESS MINDSET
    (2022) Uvarova, Inga; Atstaja, Dzintra; Volkova, Tatjana; Ozolina-Ozola, Iveta; Korpa, Viola; Rīga Stradiņš University
    INTRODUCTION There is increased international pressure to develop sustainable and circular businesses. This raises the question of entrepreneurs’ green awareness and the ability to adopt green values ​​in their business and management practices. While this has become a hot topic on the agenda of policymakers and researchers, there is a critically low level of green awareness among entrepreneurs. This highlights the need to explore how to better foster the development of a green business mindset among entrepreneurs. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders is currently promoted as an essential resource for companies to create a positive environmental impact and circular value. However, entrepreneurs do not recognise the advantages of collaboration, but instead face growing stakeholder green pressure. Collaboration competence has been recognised as one of the essential elements of the green business mindset. The awareness of green values ​​and the importance of collaboration in this context needs to be developed at school to provide theoretical knowledge and promote green skills. This study aimed to investigate the understanding of teachers and academic staff about the green business mindset and to assess their perception of the importance of collaboration competencies within the green business mindset. Research questions: 1) What are the main competencies comprising the green business mindset model and the status quo of the collaboration within this model; 2) How do teachers and academic staff perceive the importance of collaboration in developing the green business mindset? MATERIALS AND METHODS The systematic literature analysis, content analysis and clustering of the co-occurrence of keywords and concepts were used for the research. The empirical study reflects the situation in Latvia, and accordingly, the academic staff as well as teachers from Latvia were surveyed. Interviews of experts were conducted. The descriptive analyses synthesised the research results and described the main implications and further research gaps. RESULTS The green business model encounters the development of critical thinking, creativity, initiative and leadership, reflection, sharing and collaboration, environmental concerns and the attitude towards green values. The research results reveal the increased necessity to promote green awareness among youth, entrepreneurs, families and teachers. The academic staff rather have an overall understanding of green business, but they lack detailed green knowledge. Changing the behaviour and attitudes towards environmentally friendly business is considered most important, but collaboration is less critical. DISCUSSION Latvian entrepreneurs do not recognise the benefits and positive impact of green business practices. Changing customer values and global trends of sustainable transition will foster green business practices. Therefore, it is essential to develop knowledge of the circular and green business and stimulate behavioural changes of entrepreneurs to accept and follow environmentally friendly values. Previous studies prove the vital and integral role of collaboration with and for multiple stakeholders in creating positive environmental impacts. Such stakeholder collaboration includes various managerial tasks - the establishment of the relationship, value mapping and standard value orientation, regular communication, involvement and engagement, sharing and co-creation, and requiring appropriate competencies. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders is a cross-cutting issue that should be reflected horizontally in different study courses, not just in a specific environmental or ecological curriculum. However, the entrepreneurship and management study programmes should include stakeholder collaboration topics as one of the managerial practices. CONCLUSION This study describes the green business mindset model and its multi-dimensional nature, including knowledge and skills related to entrepreneurship, sustainability, ecology, and green education on the one hand, and emotional intelligence, green values and attitudes on the other. This research reveals the shorthand situation of Latvia. The green business mindset model envisages several levels of development and assessment – raising awareness, acquiring knowledge, changing attitudes and values, changing behaviour, and initiating green actions. The academic staff and teachers consider that, in Latvia, besides green business knowledge, the emotional, intuitive and spiritual intelligence, self-awareness and self-confidence encompassing green values ​​are essential, and should be developed.
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    Developing E-learning course "Circular Economy" in the Study process and Adult Education
    (2023-02-28) Atstaja, Dzintra; Purvianš, Maris; Butkevičs, Janis; Uvarova, Inga; Cudečka-Puriana, Natalija; Muratov , A.; Khasanov , S.; Rīga Stradiņš University
    The educational process has changed; many more technologies and solutions are involved in preparing the subject and the study process. A degree of maturity in using digital tools has been reached, allowing the student to learn the subject whenever and wherever he or she wishes. The experience gained in the USA shows that in the case of successful development of an asynchronous course, in combination with really extended feedback, even content-compliant courses can be acquired in this way very successfully. The purpose of the article is to show a success story of developing a modern e-learning course, modernizing and digitizing their study courses. A complete cycle of "learn by doing"and "do by learning"approaches are being implemented for the first time. By support Erasmus+ project is developing an innovative, asynchronous online course on the topic of Circular Economy and will to improve teachers' digital pedagogical competencies by enabling them to provide a high-quality learning process. At all levels of education, it is essential to keep up with the requirements of the 21st Century and opportunities, to change previous thinking and accept digitization is the duty, mission and task of every teacher, student and administrator.
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    Development of the green entrepreneurial mindset through modern entrepreneurship education
    (2021-01-22) Uvarova, Inga; Mavlutova, Inese; Atstaja, Dzintra
    Entrepreneurship education programmes are slowly adapting to the circularity and sustainability movement. Business education lacks experiences in introducing sustainability and environmentally-friendly business topics into entrepreneurship study programmes. This article aims to research the inclusion of environmental and sustainability issues in the entrepreneurship education programmes in order to promote a green entrepreneurial mindset among students and acquire green business activities. The COVID-19 crisis has thrown a harsh spotlight on a range of sustainable development challenges, and the choices the community makes now in its path to recovery will shape the trajectory of sustainable development for years to come. Also, usage of digital technologies will become crucial in this green transition. The empirical research was based on the evaluation of a survey of 657 undergraduate students from the business administration sphere. The research results are of practical, social and scientific significance by exploring the green movement and its impacts on the entrepreneurship education curricula and their effects in developing a green entrepreneurial mindset of students.
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    Does Car Sharing Contribute to Urban Sustainability from User-Motivation Perspectives?
    (2021-10-01) Mavlutova, Inese; Kuzmina, Jekaterina; Uvarova, Inga; Atstāja, Dzintra; Lesinskis, Kristaps; Mikelsone, Elina; Brizga, Janis
    Mobility, its current state and development perspectives in the future creates challenges with respect to sustainability, the first of which is the uncontrolled increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the last few decades, while road transport is one of the “sinners” creating long-term negative impact. The second is the dominance of car travel and car usage in the passenger transportation segment before the latest COVID-19 pandemic accelerated environmental problems. Although recent trends show new, greener patterns in consumption, there is still a relatively low share of consumers acknowledging the importance of sustainable and green preferences. This research study aims to investigate car sharing from users’ perspectives and to determine the most significant factors influencing their choice of sharing services to ensure upscaling of car sharing and, thus, contribute to urban sustainability. This research study contributes to the overall scientific discussion on car sharing and its role within urban sustainability, particularly with the following: (1) deeper investigation of car sharing and its users motivation perspectives in Latvia; (2) analyses of the most significant motivational factors for car-sharing users and aspects of sustainability; and (3) the insight into the generational differences triggering a number of car-sharing users. The existing and potential users of car sharing were surveyed in order to determine the motivational factors for its usage and attitudes towards it. Socio-demographic variables in statistical analysis were used to identify economic and environmental factors that meaningfully influence the choice of car-sharing services. The results of this study can support further development in new car-sharing business models and the value proposition for consumers in Latvia, as well as preparing policy recommendations on the promotion of sustainable transport. These findings are also useful to academics for the investigation of recent trends in car sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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    End-of-life tyre recycling : Going beyond to new circular business models in Latvia
    (2020) Uvarova, Inga; Atstaja, Dzintra; Korpa, Viola; Avena, Liga; Erdmanis, Miks; Rīga Stradiņš University
    The end-of-life tyre recycling industry in Latvia faces significant issues on a national level and on a micro business level. The aim of the research is the clarification of opportunities for new circular business models within the tyre recycling industry in Latvia. The main research methods are literature review, semi-structured in-depth interviews, case studies, content analyses, and quantitative statistical analyses, qualitative and descriptive analyses, allowing providing integrative interdisciplinary assessment. In addition, design-thinking methods contributed to conclusions on future opportunities of new tyre recycling business models. The research shows that the system is insufficiently supervised, and it does not facilitate the development of new environmentally friendly technologies and circular business models. A large share of tyres ends up in waste landfills, are incinerated or illegally stored, whereas only a small number of them are recycled. The traditional tyre incineration methods are ineffective and create adverse effects on the environment. Tyre recycling companies in Latvia are not active in adoption of new technologies and business models. This justifies the topicality of the research problem. The research results reveal that globally new opportunities are being actively explored on how to produce higher added value products from materials obtained in the tyre recycling process. In Latvia, it is possible to develop new financially viable circular business models in tyre recycling industry, for instance, by producing tyre-derived aggregates for construction materials or pavement subbases. Besides the need for dynamic innovation capabilities of entrepreneurs, development of new business models in tyre recycling requires collaboration among various stakeholders. In addition, the government has a significant role in implementing the Green Public Procurement for the industries utilizing products gained as a result of tyre recycling.
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    Exploring sustainable urban transformation concepts for economic development
    (2021) Latvia, School of Business and Finance; Atstaja, Dzintra; Koval, Viktor; Uvarova, Inga; Mavlutova, Inese; Kuzmina, Jekaterina
    Nowadays cities face numerous challenges amplified to build necessary urban municipal and community capacity to ensure sustainability transformation to respond to the local and global challenges of climate change, inequality, and access to resources. This research combines the study fields of sustainability, economic development, governance of sustainability transformation, providing the multidisciplinary approach as a systemic-oriented view encompassing the social, technological and ecological aspects of urban transformation. The purpose of the paper is to explore how the concept of urban transformation could be operationalized for research of economic development under the economic strain assuming the emergency of Covid-19 grand challenge. The research methods used are a systematic literature review and the content analysis. The paper provides a detailed characterization of the urban transformation exploring this concept from the structure and system perspectives for the economic exit from the crisis.
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    FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS IN TYRE RECYCLING INDUSTRY IN LATVIA
    (2020) Uvarova, Inga; Atstāja, Dzintra; Korpa, Viola; Erdmanis, Miks
    The end-of-life (EOL) tyre recycling industry in Latvia is encountering economic and sustainability challenges, which require solutions by various stakeholders. Improvement of tyre waste management and recycling is important within the context of sustainability and the new streamlining of circular business models. Its importance is also recognized at the European Union level in relation to the further strategic goals and the European Green Deal. In addition, the tyre recycling industry in Latvia demonstrates a relatively unfavourable financial situation, which is one of the most significant factors hindering the introduction of new circular business models. The aim of this research is to clarify the challenges related to the financial viability of tyre recycling companies adopting the new circular business models. The main research methods are literature review, semistructured in-depth interviews, case studies and financial analyses. There are large stocks of EOL tyres and on average just 50 % of them are recycled. The tyre waste management companies are not motivated to supply EOL tyres to recycling companies. On the other hand, due to various reasons, most of the tyre recycling companies are not working with their maximum production capacity. The research results reveal that the tyre recycling companies mostly run traditional and inefficient business models that require large operating costs and ensure comparatively low profitability. In order to enable more efficient and environmentally friendly tyre recycling process, the companies should implement new, investment intensive technologies. Yet, they face critical issues of liquidity and financial returns. Major conclusions are related to the necessity to develop several business models interlinked within one portfolio thus ensuring the manufacturing of various products with higher added value and quality. This may maximise the profits and improve the financial viability of tyre recycling business models
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    Investments to Develop Business Models and Projects in the Circular Economy
    (2020-11-03) Atstaja, Dzintra; Uvarova, Inga; Kamilla Kambala, Darta; Alberte, Viktorija; Stokmane, Kate; Gegere-Zetterstroma, Astrida; Kraze, Sandra; Zapletnuka, Galina
    The development of a sustainable economy and the efficient use of resources are now playing an increasingly important role in the circular economy. Unlike the linear economy, the economy contributes to keeping the value of products, materials, and resources in the economy as long as possible, while at the same time reducing both waste volume and raw material consumption and their environmental impact. The topicality of the research is illustrated by the limited amount of natural resources, climate change and sustainable economic growth, which is pursued by both countries and companies. It is in the economic interest of society as a whole to use existing resources in the best possible way. In addition, the introduction of the circular economy is expected to open up broad opportunities for economic growth for both businesses and consumers. The transition to a circular economic business model requires investment. Funding can be raised through different types of projects, but there is little or no information available in the public area about where and how to obtain financing for circular economy-related projects and what are the general benefits for the company from environmentally-friendly activities.
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    Sustainability challenges and drivers of cross-border greenway tourism in rural areas
    (2020-08-01) Tambovceva, Tatjana; Atstaja, Dzintra; Tereshina, Maria; Uvarova, Inga; Livina, Agita
    This article provides a practical example of the development of cross-border tourism and its link to achieving sustainable development goals. Greenways (GWs) are successful and recognized initiatives in Western Europe, but have recently also shown development trends in Eastern Europe, notably, in the Baltic Sea Region and Russia. These initiatives improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for sustainable economic activities for the local communities, especially in rural areas, adding value to their natural, cultural, historical and human heritage. The authors studied examples of best practice in scientific literature and practice, encouraging the development of cross-border tourism and GWs in Europe and Russia, in order to further adapt it to other continents. Analyzing the environmental, economic, social and institutional factors in the region and their role in sustainable development, the need for institutional regulation that would allow the development of a wider development of GWs is identified. Research results reveal sustainable development dilemmas of positive socioeconomic effects of GWs and negative environmental effects of increased flows of tourists. Focus groups and expert interviews allowed us to assess the level of various factors contributing to sustainable development and clarify the directions of the future research.
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    Sustainable Value Chain of Industrial Biocomposite Consumption : Influence of COVID‐19 and Consumer Behavior
    (2022-01-10) Rutitis, Didzis; Smoca, Anete; Uvarova, Inga; Brizga, Janis; Atstaja, Dzintra; Mavlutova, Inese; Tiesību zinātņu katedra; Juridiskā fakultāte
    The COVID‐19 pandemic has been one of the most unprecedented crises of recent decades with a global effect on society and the economy. It has triggered changes in the behavior and consumption patterns of both final consumer and industrial consumers. The consumption patterns of industrial consumers are also influenced by changes in consumer values, environmental regulations, and technological developments. One of the technological highlights of the last decade is biocomposite materials being increasingly used by the packaging industry. The pandemic has highlighted the problems and challenges of the development of biocomposites to adapt to new market conditions. This study aims to investigate the industrial consumption of biocomposite materials and the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the main stages of the value chain of sustainable industrial consumption of biocomposites. The research results reveal there is a growing interest in the use of biocomposites. Suppliers and processors of raw materials are being encouraged to optimize and adapt cleaner production processes in the sustainable transition pathway. The study highlights the positive impact of COVID‐19 on the feedstock production, raw material processing, and packaging manufacturing stages of the value chain as well as the neutral impact on the product manufacturing stage and negative impact on the retail stage. The companies willing to move toward the sustainable industrial chain have to incorporate economic, environmental, social, stakeholder, volunteer, resilience, and long‐term directions within their strategies.
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    Transition to the circular economy and new circular business models - An in-depth study of the whey recycling
    (2020-11-03) Uvarova, Inga; Atstaja, Dzintra; Grinbergs, Ugis; Petersons, Janis; Gegere-Zetterstroma, Astrida; Kraze, Sandra
    Depleting natural resources and large amounts of waste increase the environmental pressure affecting the economy and humans. Emerging sustainability challenges require new behavioural patterns from both the business and consumers. Responding to these constraints, the circular economy is promoted as a new way towards a sustainable future. While the circular economy provides new principles for improving resource efficiency and reducing waste, most of companies run traditional business models with the perception that competitive advantages can be achieved by increasing production. Instead circular business models seek for increase of profitability and efficiency through adapting various business model innovations. However, their adoption process and results are unclear for many industries highlighting the topicality of this article. This research shows that milk processing companies lack an experience and understanding of benefits and challenges of circular business models. In milk processing, the whey is considered as problematic waste or the production leftover, which requires new treatment. The research provides analyses of the whey recycling circular business models that ensured new revenue streams, higher profitability, return on assets and competitive advantages for milk processing companies. The COVID19 pandemia increases the importance of this issue as the dairy industry due to livestock requirements shall ensure business continuity despite a crises or other risks that slowdown the business.
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    The typology of 60R circular economy principles and strategic orientation of their application in business
    (2023-07-10) Uvarova, Inga; Atstaja, Dzintra; Volkova, Tatjana; Grasis, Janis; Ozolina-Ozola, Iveta; Rīga Stradiņš University
    The circular economy is one of the recent concepts promoted as the pathway for further green and sustainable development, yet entrepreneurs and managers lack the knowledge on implementing circular economy principles. Assuming the multi-dimensional and systemic character of the circular economy, this article provides a road map of 60R circular economy principles that can be adopted in any company to create a positive economic, environmental, and social impact. This set of circular economy principles allows the existing performance of companies within environmental regeneration to be assessed, and identifies possible improvements to business circularity. Identifying additional “R" principles could lead to increased synergy or complementarity between them. These 60R circular economy principles are classified in four groups - reduce, reuse, recycle and reverse logistics. The proposed list of CE principles provides a useful framework for business managers to structure potential tasks and develop strategies for CE implementation and serve as a roadmap for researchers to extend existing research on CE principles. This study is based on the systematic literature review critically examining 148 articles and providing a comprehensive and profound overview of circular economy principles to be considered by business practitioners and entrepreneurs. Previously, CE principles are researched in environmental sciences, engineering, and energy. This article contributes to the existing knowledge gap and builds new knowledge on the discipline of business management, as publications in these fields are scarce. The study highlights the significance of reverse logistics and calls for extensive research on how companies can incorporate material or product returns into their business models or strategies, which is a critical research question for future studies.
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    Urban Transportation Concept and Sustainable Urban Mobility in Smart Cities : A Review
    (2023-04-21) Mavlutova, Inese; Atstaja, Dzintra; Grasis, Janis; Kuzmina, Jekaterina; Uvarova, Inga; Roga, Dagnija; Juridiskā fakultāte
    In order to create a sustainable future for the urban environment in s=Smart cities, it is necessary to develop a concept of urban transport, partially reduce the use of traditional transport, primarily cars, as well as the environmental pressure on society, which is essential to move to a sustainable urban future. In the latest discussions on the future of the urban transport system, the quality of the environment, and the possibility of its improvement are discussed, this issue became especially relevant with the onset of the pandemic, when the lockdowns were introduced. The problem of sustainable transport in urban areas has been recognized in academic studies, searching for appropriate models and solutions. The article presents the latest literature review and illustrates the newest trends with several examples. VOS Viewer software has been used to classify the different keywords, according to their co-citation, following clustering techniques. By analyzing the research conducted by other researchers, it has been possible to structure the ecosystem and trends in the Urban Transportation Concept, also mentioning likely future trends. Based on the literature analysis of the Sustainable Urban Transport, the authors of the study found that a large group of researchers deal with technical solutions and innovative business models, while the essential behavioral aspects are examined in less detail. Extensive literature analysis allowed the authors to select several solutions to achieve the transformation towards sustainable transportation in urban areas: new vehicle technologies and their environmental factors’ analysis, geographic information systems, the analytic hierarchy process method, the time series analysis of road traffic accidents using multiplicative models, electrification and use of Friedman Analysis of Variance by Ranks, as well as innovations in sharing mobility.