RSU launches new master's programme in digital strategy and artificial intelligence

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) is introducing a new and unique study programme in Latvia - Digital Strategy and Artificial Intelligence Management. This is Latvia’s first master’s programme designed to equip high-level managers with the skills to implement artificial intelligence (AI) and digital strategies in business and public administration.  

The development of the programme is based on the current needs of the labour market and rapid technological developments. The new study programme will be taught by a broad and diverse team, including industry experts from Latvia and several other European countries. Among the more than 20 lecturers are researchers, practitioners, engineers, lawyers, innovation managers, communication and other professionals with many years of experience in both academia and business.

‘This programme is an important step towards the development of education, private organisations, public administration and innovation in Latvia, as it combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare the leaders of the digital future.

In recent years, RSU has proven itself as a centre of excellence not only in health sciences, but also in interdisciplinary fields that are in demand in today's dynamic labour market. Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing the fabric of society, government and business, and RSU is ready to play an active role in leading these changes.

Prof. Aigars Pētersons, RSU Rector

Artificial intelligence and digital transformation are inevitable in developing organisations today. We want to ensure that our graduates – the future leaders and experts of Latvian organisations – are ready for these challenges.

Toms Baumanis, RSU Vice-Rector for Administration and Development, lecturer, RSU Faculty of Social Sciences

The aim of the new study programme is to prepare future leaders who will be able to successfully manage organisations of all types and levels using the latest technologies, data analytics and AI solutions. The study process will be delivered in a modular format to accommodate working professionals, with lecturers from Latvia’s AI and data analytics industry, as well as visiting experts from across Europe. 

Today's labour market requires professionals with extensive knowledge and skills in digital strategy management. Organisations are increasingly relying on technology to increase their competitiveness and contribute to sustainable development. The programme will help future managers to acquire the skills to use, adapt, and integrate AI solutions into business and public administration strategies. 

The new master’s study programme Digital Strategies and Artificial Intelligence Management, developed at the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences, is

designed for those who aspire to become leaders of digital transformation and apply the potential of AI in their daily work to drive development and innovation in their business, as well as in state and municipal institutions.

A licensing expert visit to the master's study programme Digital Strategies and Artificial Intelligence Management took place on 21 March. During the visit, the experts assessed the programme’s compliance with national standards, its implementation and quality assurance, as well as its potential and development prospects. The expert group met with the University’s and the study programme’s management, lecturers and employers' representatives.

Exactly two months later, on 21 May, RSU invited interested parties to a presentation of the new study programme.

Among the lecturers are RSU leading researcher and internationally renowned radiologist Assoc. Prof. Maija Radziņa, who is working on the application of artificial intelligence in imaging diagnostics in collaboration with CERN; future thinking and innovation expert Artis Birziņš, with experience at Microsoft and IBM and academic teaching in Japan; Pauls Jansons, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Development Department at Tet, with extensive experience in implementing AI and IT solutions; Natālija Kinaša, a machine learning engineer active in research and as a lecturer at Tallinn University of Technology; Assoc. Prof. Marta Urbāne, an international commercial law specialist and Doctor of Laws with teaching experience at the University of Florence; Agate Ambulante, an IT specialist and AI consultant with experience in both Latvian and international projects; Edgars Indriksons, Head of the Data Analytics Department at the Riga Municipality, who manages large-scale digitisation projects in public administration; and Zita Lazdāne, Communications Manager for the City of Liepāja and the European Capital of Culture 2027 – as well as many other experts in the field.

The programme's teaching staff will ensure that the content of the studies reflects the current trends in the industry and the latest technological developments. Although the courses cover technical knowledge, the content is suitable for management level studies. The programme will provide a wide variety of practical knowledge in both state-of-the-art technology and management. Practical workshops, guest lectures and project work in collaboration with industry organisations are integrated into the curriculum, giving students the opportunity to learn from leading experts and immediately put their new knowledge into practice.

The programme is designed for those who want to become leaders in digital transformation by harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and data analytics in the strategic management of companies and institutions. Lectures will be held in a module format on Friday evenings and Saturdays, allowing you to combine your studies with your career.