ENGINEERING EDUCATION - NEW APPROACH AND NEW STYLE

Initial intentions of the European higher education change were caused by expectations of globalization and technology challenges, however global financial and economic crisis stimulates European higher education to facilitate sustainable economical recovery/development and development of innovative flexible, dynamic national education systems, based on integration of studying/learning/practising and research. Environment of higher education in Latvia should promote and facilitate creative and innovative skills, entrepreneurial and entrepreneurship development, involvement of students and professors in production/industry practising, especially in micro-, craft and artisan, small and medium sized enterprises. Involvement of industries' professionals and entrepreneurs in education, assessment and improvement processes shall be stimulated. Research, practising, design and innovation, "start-up" and "spin-off" initiatives, cooperation of business incubators and professional societies and associations should be launched as well.