As part of its strategic goal to become a leading center for technology and engineering education while offering world-class business management and leadership education, Riga Technical University (RTU) plans to further develop RTU Riga Business School (RBS) and reorganize the RTU Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management (FEEM) as of February 1, 2027.
As a result of the reform, RBS will expand and strengthen its offering in management sciences. At the same time, FEEM’s interdisciplinary study programs that combine engineering, technology, and management competencies and are delivered in close cooperation with industry will be integrated into the RTU Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (FCME), where a new Institute of Security and Management will be established. This decision was approved by the RTU Council on May 28.
The mission of RTU Riga Business School will be to become a modern, internationally recognized center of business and management education that strengthens Latvia’s competitiveness by educating future leaders of technology companies, change-makers, and startup founders. RBS will focus on high-level academic programs, educational excellence, research capacity development, and leadership education.
To achieve this vision, RTU has chosen the RBS brand’s longstanding reputation for high-quality business education, outstanding student experience, and proven track record in entrepreneurship education as the benchmark and strategic foundation for future development. RBS has already begun, and will continue after the consolidation, its journey toward obtaining AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation, one of the most prestigious international accreditations in business education. AACSB accreditation signifies world-class business education, academic excellence, highly qualified faculty, leadership development, and strong international reputation.
FEEM’s interdisciplinary study programs that integrate engineering, technology, and security-related competencies will be transferred to the newly established Institute of Security and Management within the Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. These programs will continue to emphasize practical knowledge, technology application, and innovation implementation. Earlier this spring, FEEM’s study fields in real estate management, valuation, and construction entrepreneurship were already integrated into the Faculty of Civil and Mechanical Engineering through the Institute of Civil Engineering.
Specialized FEEM study content focusing on regional and territorial sustainable development will be incorporated into the RTU Institute of Architecture and Design, further strengthening RTU’s role not only in architecture and design but also in regional policy and public-sector competence development. Several other study programs will be transferred to the RTU Lifelong Learning Center.
Throughout the transition process, RTU will maintain its existing commitments to employees and students. Investments are planned both for attracting and strengthening academic staff and for further developing study programs and research capacity.
“In evaluating the proposed reorganization, we have engaged in numerous constructive and intensive discussions with RTU colleagues, students, and industry partners. I would like to thank everyone involved in the process – the working group, academic staff, students, and representatives of the business community – for their contribution, professionalism, and ability to unite around a shared vision for the future.
These changes, which integrate engineering and management competencies while equipping students with technological understanding, strategic management skills, and the ability to implement innovation in practice, represent the next step in RTU’s development. They will strengthen RTU as a globally competitive player in both technology and business,” says RTU Rector Tālis Juhna.
RTU has significant experience in institutional consolidation. Two years ago, the university merged nine faculties into four and established the Institute of Architecture and Design by combining architecture and design programs. RTU has also successfully carried out external consolidations, integrating the Latvian Maritime Academy, Maritime School, Liepāja Maritime College, Liepāja Academy, and Rēzekne Academy into the university.
