Born: December 1, 1949, Ventspils, Latvia

Interests:

• EU Agricultural Policy
• Rural Development
• Marketing
• EU Higher Education System and it’s Evaluation

Languages: Latvian, Russian and English.

Education

• Latvia University of Agriculture (Faculty of Economics), Cum laude, 1973
• Dr.oec. (Candidate of Science in former USSR), Latvia University of Agriculture,1977
• Dr.habil.oec. (Doctor of Science in former USSR), Latvia University of Agriculture,1990

Experience

Latvia University of Agriculture, Professor (elected 1992.,1998., 2004., 2010.).
Member of the Latvia Parliament (2006-2010)
Latvia Parliament Budget and Finance Commission (Vice-Chair)
Ministry of Education and Science, minister (2006-2007)
Council of Higher education, chairwoman (1996-2006)
LLU EF Department of Economics, head of department (2000-2002)
LLU Faculty of Economics, dean (2002-2006)

Honours and Awards

• Latvia Academy Prize of Karlis Ulmanis for achievements in research (2010);
• Full Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1999
• Corresponding Member, Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1995
• Corresponding Member, Russia Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1991
• Full Member, Latvia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, 1992
• Corresponding Member,  the Academy dei Georgofili, Italy
• Foreign Member, Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, 2006
• The Three Star Order, Republic of Latvia, 2000

Professional Activities and Memberships

• President of the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences of Latvia since 2000;
• Full member of the Academy of Sciences of Latvia, member of Senatus since 2000;
• Chairwoman of Latvian university professor association since 2011;
• Member of The Main Directions of Research in Economics, Law and Historical Sciences by the Latvian Council of Science till 2006, and repeatedly since 2011, chair person from 2012;
• Member of the Commision of Strategic Analysis, chancery of the State President, 2005-2006
• Member of the Board of Association of Nordic agricultural scientists sectors of the economy since 2005;
• Member of the Board of Association of European Agricultural and Forest Sciences since 2004, president (2008-2010)
• Councillor of the European Commission in the framework 5. priorities "Food quality and safety" (2004-2006)
• Member of Regional Scientific Committee for Europe and North America in the UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge (2004-2009)
• Member of the Board of University of Estonia Life sciences research papers inventory editorial team since 2006
• Member of Scientific Committee for Europe and North America in the UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge, 2003
• Member of European Commission Sub-Committee for Higher Education
• Member of committee on State’s language development projects evaluation, 2003
• Member of work group on conception output for development of regional higher education institutions, 2003
• Chairperson, Latvia Higher Education Council, 1996-
• Member, Higher Education and Research Committee, Council of Europe, 1997
• Member, Senate of Latvian Academy of Sciences, 1995 -
• Member of the Board of the Latvia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, 1995- ; President, 1999 -
• Chairperson of Council for Promotion and Habilitation in Economics Latvia University of Agriculture, 1992 -
• Chairperson of the Doctoral degree defense committee in Economics
• Member of the Advisory Group in the 6th EU Framework Program for Research (FP6)
• Member of National innovation program Managerial council, 2003
• Member, Latvian Council of Science, 1996 -
• Vice-Chair, Euro Faculty Steering Committee (Riga, Latvia), 1997 -
• Editorial Advisory Board for Proceedings of Latvian Academy of Sciences , 1996 -
• Head of the team in European Society for Rural Sociology, 1990
• Member, Senate of Latvia University of Agriculture, 1994 -
• Editorial Advisory Board for Proceedings of Latvia University of Agriculture , 1996 -
• Member of the Organizing Committee of the International Conference "Stimulation, Gaming, Training and Business Process Reengineering in Operations’, Riga, 1996
• Member of the Organizing Committee of the International Conference "Economical Education in the Period of Transformation"
• Member of LAISA (Latvia Association of University Women)
• Chairperson of the Faculty of Economics Council, Latvia University of Agriculture, 1992
• Chairperson of the Tempus International Seminar programme committee, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 (Latvian, Irish, Danish, Polish, Swedish, German, Estonian, Lithuanian colleagues)
• EU Expert-Evaluateur (Economics, Social Sciences and Humanities), European Commission
• EU Expert- Evaluateur, PHARE Academic Programms

• Regional Economics
• Marketing
• Rural Development

Doctors degrees (Dr.oec.) – 10

• M. Lescevica (2004)
• A. Slara (2005)
• H. Jirgena (2009)
• E. Konstantinova (2009)
• I. Stokmane, I. Baraskina, L. Medne, D. Viksne (2010)
• L. Medne, S.Cingule – Vinogradova, G. Grinberga – Zalite, A. Liscova (2011)

• Rivža, S., Rivža, P., Pilvere, I., Rivža, B. Dynamic model of the farm producing biogas from agriculture biomass. WMSCI 2012 - The 16th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, Proceedings 1 , 2012, pp. 81-84, indexed in the data-base SCOPUS.
• Rivza, B., Rivza, S., Rivza, P. Risk assessment in renewable energy production from agriculture biomass in Latvia. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Section B: Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences 66 (1-2) , 2012, pp. 54-58, indexed in the data-base SCOPUS.
• Brunina, L., Rivza, P., Konstantinova, E. Coastal spatial planning problems in Latvia. Journal of Coastal Research (SPEC. ISSUE 64) , 2011, pp. 1224-1227, , indexed in the data-base SCOPUS.
• Rivza, S., Pilvere, I., Rivza, P., Rivza, B. 2011, Conceptual models of risk assessment in renewable energy production in Latvia WMSCI 2011 - The 15th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, Proceedings 1, 2011, pp. 118-122, , indexed in the data-base SCOPUS.
• Rivza, P., Rivza, B. Agricultural science in Latvia. Engineering for Rural Development, 2011, pp. 9-13, indexed in the data-base SCOPUS.
• Rivza, B., Teichler, U. The changing role of student mobility Higher Education Policy 20 (4), 2007, pp. 457-475, indexed in the data-base SCOPUS.
• Rivza, B. Economic, social and environmental conditions in Latvian rural areas. Ambio 26 (7), 1997, pp. 439-441, indexed in the data-base SCOPUS.
• Kruzmetra M., Rivza B., Rivza S. Role of Social Factors Generating Business Environment. In monograph Moira kai Myra, University of Athens, Greece, 2011, pp. 93-105 (in English and Greek).
• Rivza B., Kruzmetra M., Jermolajeva E. FEM: Sieviešu uznemejdarbibas attistiba. (FEM: Development of Women Entrepreneurship). Jelgava, LLU, 2009, 129 lpp. (Library of Congress Publication Data).
• Konstantinova E., Rivza B. Mentoringa kustibas rokasgramata (Mentoring hand book), Jelgava, 2007, 112 lpp. (Library of Congress Publication Data).
• Darba tirgus pieprasijuma ilgtermina prognozešanas sistemas izpete un pilnveidošanas iespeju analize (Long term forecast system of labour market and analyses of it development possibilities). Projekta vad. Frolova L.; petnieki: Krumina I., Rivža P., Rivža B., u.c. Riga, LU, 2007, 175 lpp.
• Kruzmetra M., Rivža B., Konstantinova E. Mentorings – inovativas domašanas parneses lidzeklis (Mentoring as a tool for inovative thinking), Jelgava, 2006, 45 lpp.
• B.Rivza, E.Konstantnova. Mentoring as a Tool of Knowledge Transfer in Promoting Womwn's Enterpreneurship in Rural Areas of Latvia. - In: Perspectives of the Baltic States Agriculture under the CAP Reform, Estonia University of Agriculture, Tallin: June 2005, pp. 191-201, ISSN 1406-40492005.
• B.Rivza, V.Bratka. Latvia's Farms inEU's Common Market: the Influence of CAP Reform. - Humanities and Social Sciences (University of Latvia). The Salzburg Conference and Rural Development in Latvia, 2004, N 3 (43), pp. 22-32.
• Rivza B., Kruzmetra M. Discourse on rural development in Latvia. Jelgava, LUA, 2003, 432 p.
• B.Rivza, J.Eglitis, P.Rivza.  Knowledge – based management and the analytic hierarchy process in Latvia. - International Conference “Modeling and simulations of business systems” May 13-14, 2003, Vilnus, Lithuania. Ed.H.Pranevicius, E.Zavadskas, B.Rapp. Pp.123 – 127.
• B.Rivza, U.Kondratovics. Latvian universities for the new Europe. - Latvian History, 2003,  Nr.1 (49), pp. 8-13.
• B.Rivza.  The impact of the fundamental goals for higher education on the roles of women in Latvia. - Addressing Inequalities of gender participation in institutional decision making systems, Higher Education Research Network (HERN) 5th seminar and Steering Group Meeting, Stockholm, 13-15 March, 2003.
• B.Rivza, M.Kruzmetra. Discourse on Rural Development in Latvia. - Latvia University of Agriculture: Jelgava , 2003, 432 pp. (in Latvian).
• B.Rivza, B.Wiberga. Women entrepreneurship resource centres in Baltic States. - The catalogue of project ideas. International conference „Third BSR INTERREG III B partner search forum”. Gdansk, Poland, 15. – 18. June, 2003. Page 29.
• B.Rivza, M.Kruzmetra Microcredit Movement in Latvia – Outcome of Nordic – Baltic Collaboration. - NJF’s 22^nd Congress, Nordic Agriculture in Global Perspective. July 1- 4, 2003, Turku, Finland.
• B.Rivza, P.Rivza, M.Belovs. Latvian rural development and role of pre-accession program SAPARD in it. - Achievements of trans-border Polish – German co-operation in socio-economic activation of borderland, Tom I. Akademia Rolnicza w Szczwcinie Bialoruska Akademia Rolnicza w Gorkach Uniwerytet Warminsko – Mazurski w Olsztynie, Szczecin 2003, pp. 327 - 331.
• B.Rivza, H.Jirgena, M.Kruzmetra. Multifunctional management prospects in Vidzeme. - Proc. Int. Conf. "Economic Science for Rural Development", April 9-10, 2003, Jelgava, Latvia, pp. 334-342.
• B.Rivza. The origin  of agricultural and forestry sciences. - In: Lauki - Latvijas sirds (Countryside- the Heart of Latvia), 2002, Latvijas Lauksaimniecibas unversitate: Jelgava, pp.218-233 (in Latvian).
• B.Rivza.Higher Education and Life Long Learning in Latvia. Lifelong Learning for Equity and Social Cohesion: a New challenge to higher education. - Compendium of National Contributions. Final Conference, The Council of Europe and the Conference of the Presidents of University. Paris, 15-17 November, 2001.
• B.Rivza, M.Kruzmetra.  Influence of Political and Socio -Economical Changes on the Prospects of Agriculture Education in Latvia. - Proc. 4th European Conference on Higher Agricultural Education, Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Moscow, 2001.
• P.Rivza, B.Rivza, L.Ramute. Experience in the Use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process in Latvia. -Latvian Countryside Today, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Latvia, 1(30)/2001.
• B.Rivza, M.Kruzmetra.  Latvia and the New Perspective on Rural development in Europe. -Latvian Countryside Today, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Latvia, 1(30)/2001.
• Higher education in Latvia during the Last Decade and Ph.D. Courses as the Driving Force in Educational Development. - Trends in the Development of Higher Education. A Passport to Social Cohesion and Economic Prosperity. Report on Education in Latvia 2000. The Soros Foundation-Latvia, 2001, pp. 8 - 13.
• B.Rivza, D.Rosselle Report of the Evaluation of the Legislative Reform Program for Higher Education and Research. - Legislative Reform Program in Higher Education and Research 1991-2000, Strasbourg, 2000.
• B. Rivza. Financing of science and education and it efficiency. Reforms of schools and higher education establishments – the way to the qualitative education. - Education and Science – treasure of Latvia, Riga, 2000.
• V. Bikse, B. Rivza. The knowledge-based economy – a challenge for XXI century Latvia. - The knowledge-based economy. Warsaw, 2000.
• Higher Education as a Challenge for the Development of Baltic Countries. - Nordic-Baltic Sea Region on the Eve of 21st century, Riga, 2000.
• Higher Education in Latvia in the Last Decade and Doctorate Studies as a Means for its Development. - Humanities and Social Sciences Latvia, 2(27)/ 2000.
• Rural Development in the Baltic States. - University of Helsinki Mikkeli Institute for Rural Research and Training, Publications 68, Mikkeli 2000.
• B.Rivza, I.Stokmane. Economic and Social Analyses of the Baltic Countries. - Nordic-Baltic Sea Region on the Eve of 21st century, Riga, 2000.
• V.Bikse, B.Rivza. The knowledge-based economy - a challenge for XXI century Latvia. - Science and Government Series, Warszawa: Oficyna Wydawnicza Rewasz,  2000,  vol. 4,5, pp.122-130.
• B.Rivza, M.Kruzmetra, Sustainability of Rural Areas Transition and Higher Agricultural Education. -5th European Conference on HAE “From Production Agriculture to Rural Development: Challenges for HE in the New Millennium”, Plymouth, UK, September 10-13, 2000.
• Higher Education in Latvia: Situation and Development in the 21st Century. - http://www.unesco.org/education/educprog/wche/index.html
• Reform of Universities of Latvia: optimum and real. -  Works of Latvia University of Agriculture, Nr.2, 2000.
• B.Rivza, P.Rivza, Feasibility of using the Analytic Hierarchy Process for Decision-Making on the Perspective Development of Higher Education System in Latvia. - Estonian Agricultural university, Tartu, 1998.
• Transition of economical system in rural area of Latvia. - Revue Baltique (Vilnius), 1998, pp. 81-90 (co-author).
• Production Potential of an Agricultural Enterprise and the Main Ways of Improving Its Use,   Riga: Zinatne Press, 1988, 220 pp. (in Latvian).
• Use of factor analysis for evaluating and comparing potential of resources in rural communities. Estonia agricultural University. Volume 118, Tartu, 1996.
• Economic, Social and Environmental Condition in Latvian Rural Areas. - AMBIO, J. Human Environment, 1997, vol. 26, N 7, pp. 439-441.
• Latvia Human Development. Part 4. Latvia Regional Development. - UNDP materials, 1997, pp. 67-85 (co-author).
• Labour market in rural areas. Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Moscow, 1996.
• Attitude of the citizens towards the privatization of land in Latvia: V Common Property Conference. Bodo, Norway, 1995.
• The Role of the Faculty of Economics in teaching social and economic subjects at the Latvian University of Agriculture. Workshop "Strengthening teaching and developing training materials in social- economic subjects in higher education institutions in Central and Eastern European countries". Warsaw FAO, 1995, co-author.
• Some problems of rural development in Latvia. - Latvia University of Agriculture Works, Issue 2, Agrarian reform in the Baltic states: experience and prospects of development, Jelgava, 1994.
• The prospects of Latvian agriculture in the international contacts of economy - Materials of the 33^rd EAAE Seminar. Tartu, 1993 ( co-author).
• Rural development. Material in English written by participants of EC Tempus project, 1993, Cork.
• Agricultural specialists in front of choice - Transition to market economics in agriculture. Kaunas - Academy, 1993.
• B.Rivza, A.Balezentis, A.Kaleta, S. O’Reilu, H.Peterson, P.Sandal.  Rural Development. Volume I, Volume II. - ELLPID TEMPUS Korka - Toruna, 1993, p. 395.
• Labour force in Latvian agriculture. Theses at the World Latvian Congress of Sciences, Riga, 1991, (co-author).
• Migration process in rural Latvia and its social and economic consequences. Proc. Latv. Acad. Sci., 1990, Nr. 7 (co-author).

Research Projects 

• ESF project “The course content and the implementation of the improvement of staff competences and academic development”, executor (2011-2012)
• NVA Nr. 2010/61_ESF assessment research “Active employment measures “Training skills acquisition and maintenance, if the employer is the municipality” evaluation of the results” elaboration, (2010-2011)
• ERAF funded project “The Latvian Academy of Sciences and the LLMZ of capacity building and international development projects”, (No. 2DP/2.1.1.2.0/10APIA/VIAA/009) (2011-2013)
• European Commission-funded project ERA - NET Ruragri Nr. 235175, Latvia’s national coordinator (2009-2011)
• European Commission-funded 9 country project “European Federation of girls and young women mentor’s”, the lead country Austria, Latvia’s national coordinator (2009.01.08.-2010.31.07.)
• The Latvian Science Council grant 09.1477 Partnership models for the promotion of women's entrepreneurship, executor (2010-2012)
• The Latvian Science Council grant 09.1579 Business promotion in Latvia: economic and social conditions, executor (2009)
• EU structural funds national program "Labour market research" projects (2005- 2006):
• “Vocational and higher education program compliance with the requirements of the labour market”;
• “Graduate of higher and professional educational establishment professional activity after school end”;
• “Labour market demand long term forecasting system for research and development ability analysis”.

• SSA FP – 2004-INNOV-04 “Innovation through the ability to search”, “INTRO”, The EU 6 framework programme for research.
• The Latvian Science Council grant “Mentors create a movement in Latvia in accordance with good practice in the Nordic countries”, project leader (2005-2008)
• FEM “Women's enterprise and lifelong learning reunion the creation of the Baltic and Nordic countries”, INTERREG III B project, Latvia’s coordinator (2004–2007)
• Project Nordic Council of Ministers ' programme „Nordplus Neighbour” within the framework “Problems of lifelong education harmonization in the context of quality and recognition” project leader (01.08.2004.–31.07.2005.)
• Project Five „O” “Zonta International and Soroptimist Club mentoring program for rural women” project leader (2004–2005)
• The European Commission project “Loss of talent: individual problem updating the wider public. Women and science in developed countries”, project participant (2004)
• “Employment and demographic survey in rural areas especially for young people and women. Field types”, coordinator of project: Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), Edinburgh, funded by the European Commission, No. AGRI/2004?F3/1, Latvia’s national coordinator (2004-2005)
• B.Rivza (Head of Project). Universities' Reform Program, 2003
• B.Rivza (Head of Project). International Women Clubs for rural Women Life-long-learning. Project Five - O, 2003
• B.Rivza (Head of Project). Female Entrepreneurial Resource-Centres in the Baltic Sea Region, Baltic Sea Region INTERREG III B, Spring 2003
• B.Rivza (Participant). Council’s of Higher Education of Latvia and Latvian National Commission’s for United Nations’ in Latvia organized discussion for gender equality in higher education, 2003
• B.Rivza (Participant). Higher Education Research Network (HERN), 2001 - 2003
• B.Rivza (Participant).Common agricultural policy reform and the Central and Eastern European countries, 2002
• B.Rivza (Participant). Nature of Rural Development in ten European countries including three accession countries (Poland, Latvia, Hungary), 2001
• B.Rivza (Participant). PHARE program “Creating of distance-learning model”, Project Nr.DE97-063: B.Rivza co-ordinator of the Creation of deepened program in agribusiness marketing and management, 1998 - 2000
• B.Rivza (Head of Project). Nordic-Baltic Rural Women Co-operation Network “Micro Credit”, 1999 – 2002
• B.Rivza (Head of Project). Development of Multifunctional Rural Enterprises in Conformity with New Rural Policy of the EU. Latvian Council of Science, 2001 -).
• B.Rivza (Coordinator). Strengthening Rural Community Economic Development. - Tempus Complementary Measures Grant CME 02003 - 96
• B.Rivza. (National Coordinator). Tempus JEP 4341 , 1992-1995 .
• Common projects with Sweden, Norway and Finland on Rural Development and Women problems.