There comes a point in many careers when experience alone is no longer enough. Technology evolves faster than job titles, and today’s business decisions increasingly require more than an understanding of management and innovation. They demand knowledge of cybersecurity, IT governance, data analytics, and the growing role of artificial intelligence.

This is exactly what professionals from a wide range of industries value most about the MERIT master’s programme at RTU Riga Business School: the opportunity to combine two worlds that are often treated separately, business management and technology.

Students consistently point out that MERIT is not a programme pursued simply to earn another degree. It is one of the few master’s programmes in Latvia that gives equal weight to technology management and business leadership, making it an ideal choice for professionals who lead IT teams, develop products, build strategic partnerships, and make decisions that shape their organisations not just for tomorrow, but for years to come.

From Fragmented Knowledge to Systems Thinking

For Egons Silenieks, Head of Technology at SIXT Latvia and Finland, the decision to study came after a major career transition.

“It was important for me to find a programme that wasn’t purely academic, but genuinely useful in my professional life. At first, I considered taking individual courses, such as programming, but I realised that fragmented knowledge isn’t enough if you want to lead an IT team.”

What attracted him to MERIT was its practical curriculum, covering cybersecurity, innovation management, and IT governance.

“The biggest benefit is that everything I learn can immediately be applied at work. We work on real-world challenges during the programme, and I can test new ideas and skills in practice straight away.”

When Business Knowledge Needs a Technology Perspective

For Marta Rudzīte, Co-Head of the Capital Markets Practice at Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns, enrolling in MERIT was a natural next step. Her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Riga Business School had provided a solid foundation, but her professional experience revealed the need for stronger technological expertise.

“As I worked with my team on developing an IT product, I realised I needed a deeper understanding of technology. MERIT felt like the perfect combination, balancing technical IT studies with business rather than treating them as separate disciplines.”

Today, the knowledge she has gained through MERIT supports her work on Devokee AI, an IT platform that helps companies implement automation more effectively in their daily operations.

“Having previously studied at Riga Business School, I already knew what to expect. I’ve always appreciated the learning environment, the faculty, and the high academic standards that RBS offers.”

A Programme That Respects Professional and Personal Life

For Ņikita Kazakevičs, Head of Ecosystem Partnerships at LMT, MERIT offered answers to very practical questions: how to manage complex systems, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen an organisation’s long-term competitiveness.

“What makes MERIT different is its balanced focus. Technology and business are truly fifty-fifty. It helps you understand not only how IT works, but also how technology influences business decisions and outcomes.”

Equally important to him was the programme’s flexibility for working professionals.

“MERIT recognises that its students are experienced professionals with full-time jobs and families. There is very little traditional homework because everyone understands that weekdays are for work and weekends are for family. That approach was crucial for me, allowing me to balance work, studies, and personal life.”

A Conscious Investment in the Future

MERIT is often chosen by experienced professionals who carefully evaluate not only the curriculum, but also the workload and the people they will study alongside.

This is something Madara Klotiņa, IT Manager and MERIT student, strongly emphasises. She has worked in IT and telecommunications for more than ten years, including the past three years in a leadership role.

“At some point, I realised I wanted to deliberately expand my knowledge in ways that would directly benefit my work while also earning a master’s degree. MERIT stood out because it combines technology with business management, and everything you learn can immediately be applied in practice.”

She believes that choosing the right programme begins with being honest about your goals.

“For me, it was important to study alongside people with real professional experience. That makes discussions far more meaningful and learning much more relevant. At the same time, you need to recognise that studying requires careful time management and discipline. You have to fit it around work, family, and personal commitments. It’s challenging, but it’s also a conscious investment in yourself.”

She also highlights one of the programme’s greatest strengths: the people.

“My classmates have been an incredible source of support. Sharing experiences and learning how others solve similar challenges helps you manage the workload and stay motivated throughout the programme.”

Who Is MERIT Designed For?

MERIT is an international master’s programme for professionals who want to combine technology with business thinking.

The programme, Management of Intelligent, Resilient and Interconnected Systems (MERIT), was developed by RTU Riga Business School in collaboration with the RTU Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology and Energy as part of the European Union’s digitalisation initiatives.

It is designed for IT and technology managers, product and innovation leaders, as well as professionals in business, finance, law, and other fields who work with digital solutions or want to strengthen their ability to make strategic, data-driven, and technology-enabled decisions.

The programme is delivered entirely in English by an international faculty alongside experienced industry professionals. Learning is built around real business challenges and practical application rather than theory alone.

MERIT is not designed for those simply looking to add another diploma to their CV. It is for professionals who want to be prepared to lead in a world where business and technology are no longer separate disciplines.

Applications for the next intake are open until 9 August.