As a result of an open competition announced by Riga Technical University (RTU) for selecting the next Rector, nine candidates have applied. Their professional competence and vision regarding RTU development will be evaluated by representatives of RTU Council, the Ministry of Education and Science, largest Latvian entrepreneur organisations and RTU staff.
The Law on Higher Education Institutions stipulates that candidates for the rector’s position of state higher education institutions are selected as a result of an open international competition. RTU Council decided to organise the elections according to the best management principles, by establishing a comprehensive and transparent course of selection, attracting a personnel selection company that provides support in selection and evaluation of candidates for the rector’s position, involving the RTU family and national economy experts in decision-taking. International experience evidences that this way selected candidates implement strategic goals of the university more successfully, promote its dynamic development with high results of introducing innovations in education and research, as well as attraction of funding.
Upon expiry of the term for submitting applications, nine candidates have expressed their readiness to be the head of RTU. Their applications, competences, qualification, experience and vision of RTU strategic development will be evaluated by the personnel selection company “Eiro Personāls”, elected through a tender, and the Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee includes RTU employees, who represent interests of the academic staff, students and graduates, representatives of RTU Council, Ministry of Education and Science, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Employers’ Confederation of Latvia. Participation of largest Latvian entrepreneur organisations in the rector selection process is very significant, in view of the role of RTU in developing national economy and increasing business capacity.
The evaluation criteria, algorithm and methods for competences, qualification and experience of candidates for the rector’s position have been developed jointly with “Eiro Personāls”, with account of wishes and recommendations of the RTU family. More information about requirements to the candidates.
RTU aims at finding a strong rector, whose management will allow achieving the strategic goals of the university – excellence in science, qualitative studies, sustainable valorisation or commercialisation of products created by scientists, as well as institutional excellence. Strategically important is also strengthening of RTU international competitiveness.
The selection of candidates will last until December. RTU Council will be familiarised with candidates for the rector’s position selected by the Nomination Committee and will decide on the candidates to be promoted for voting at the RTU Constitutional Assembly, where the rector will be selected. Prior to voting, debates of the candidates will be held at the Constitutional Assembly meeting to acquaint RTU staff and students with their activity programmes.
Voting for the rector’s position candidates is scheduled for the start of 2023.
