Higher education policy in Latvia (2010–2020): analysis of party platforms

One of the tasks is to study how EU and UNESCO guidelines in the field of science are implemented in practice in Latvia. It is necessary because education is one of the priorities for the development of western societies, as justified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which states that “The UNESCO strategy for science is to promote and develop the link between science and society, emphasizing science as a key tool for development.” Equally important for all countries of the European Union. In order to ensure its economic growth, Latvia should promote the development of higher education and science. Materials used are: European Commission as expressed in the Communication on Improving and Modernizing the Education System (from 7 December 2016). Indicating necessity of improving and modernising the educational system. National planning documents (Latvia’s development plan 2030; National development plan 2021-2027), Pre-election programs of political parties (2010-2020). Methods used are: critical analysis of the documents. The National Development Plan 2021-2027, drafted in 2020, only points to the fact that government investment in research and development is inadequate to stimulate innovation and to support economic growth. State investments in research and scientific development programmes are among the lowest in the European Union, thus it is impossible to ensure the amount of knowledge needed to achieve national development goals and to transfer them to education. The paper shows that political parties in Latvia lack any vision in this matter, because their pre-election platforms do not even mention higher education, scientific development or research. This shows that the global educational development context exists mostly in the mass media, while education policy enforcers work within the national context, which is a narrowed understanding of global trends and lacks worldwide practices.