Academic Centre
For the first time on a global scale, remote and hybrid work became relevant during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was necessary to adapt to the constraints of that time to reduce the spread of the virus. However, there are still improvements and research needed in the field of remote work and remote services. What is needed to create innovations in the format of remote work? What should be considered in communication in hybrid work conditions? How to ensure the sustainability of remote services? And what changes need to be made in the business strategy in a remote environment?
The project has progressed from the phase of creating digital tools to testing the developed tools. Throughout 2024, collaboration is planned with both companies and government institutions, as well as non-governmental organizations, actively seeking organizations to test and provide feedback on the tools developed in the project. Meanwhile, companies are offered the opportunity to enhance their competitiveness, creativity, and communication skills.
One of the pilot projects offers tools to promote sustainable entrepreneurship – with these tools, it is possible to develop business models, products, services, or management to make these processes more sustainable and increase competitiveness. The tools can be used in two ways – by conducting online tests or participating in discussion sessions.
Similarly, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to improve their company's skills in building and maintaining relationships with clients in a remote work environment. The digital tool will help acquire new clients remotely, retain them, implement successful marketing campaigns and customer service, as well as manage relationships even in crisis situations.
The tools developed during the DistanceLAB project offer various opportunities regardless of the business sector.
On March 6–7, the "Test&Talk" online event will take place, during which there will be an opportunity to get acquainted with the tools developed during the project and join the tool testing sessions. To register for the event, you need to fill out a registration form. Updates can be found on the DistanceLAB Facebook page or the DistanceLAB LinkedIn page.
During the project, benefits and impacts are being researched, as well as tools being developed based on feedback. Companies from the Baltic Sea region can use the tools free of charge. Within the project, companies have the opportunity to strengthen their networks in the Baltic Sea region and go on study and collaboration visits to other project countries. Our partners are from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
In this project, the University of Latvia is responsible for the pilot "Opportunities for SME remote development and improvement of digital skills." This pilot will compile information on available SME business development programs and various digital skills improvement courses. Companies will have the opportunity to use this information to improve their digital level and develop their business.
DistanceLAB is funded by the European Union's Baltic Sea region program and co-financed by Norwegian partners. The implementation period is from 1.1.2023 to 31.12.2025. The aim of the project is to develop remote work skills and services.
Dāvis Vītols, UL project expert, e-mail: davis.vitols@lu.lv, tel. (+371) 26652750
Project website: https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/distancelab/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/distancelab
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distancelab/
