Mrs at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Mrs. Inese Skapste is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in business management, bioeconomy innovation, and academic research. She is currently a PhD candidate in Agricultural Economics at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, specializing in the sustainable use of Baltic Sea algae as a bioresource. Her work bridges academia, public institutions, and industry, combining deep expertise in entrepreneurship, circular economy, and sustainable resource management. As a RIS3 Knowledge-Intensive Bioeconomy Expert at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, she leads initiatives that promote innovation and attract investment in the bioeconomy sector. Mrs. Skapste also lectures at Riga Technical University, sharing her knowledge in entrepreneurship and innovative product development. Her research includes the development of circular biorefinery models and integrated valorization of algae and food waste. Through active participation in EU research missions, international conferences, and scientific publications, she contributes significantly to advancing sustainable development and bioresource innovation in the Baltic region.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Mrs. Inese Skapste has pursued a comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational path that bridges economics, business administration, and sustainable development. She is currently a PhD student in Agricultural Economics at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), where her research focuses on the valorization of Baltic Sea algae for circular bioeconomy applications. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from LBTU (2021–2023), and also earned a Professional Master’s degree in Business Administration with a qualification as an Organizational Manager from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Her academic foundation includes a Professional Bachelor’s degree in Public Management and qualification as a Public Relations Manager from Turība University. Additionally, she has completed pedagogy training, qualifying her to teach, and earned certification in mindfulness teaching from the School of Silence. In 2024, she joined an advanced Deep Tech Innovators course (10 ECTS) at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, reflecting her commitment to innovation-driven sustainable development and education.
Professional Experience 💼
Mrs. Inese Skapste has accumulated diverse professional experience across academia, public service, and entrepreneurship, reflecting her multifaceted expertise in economics, business, and sustainable development. She currently works at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), where she contributes to academic research and innovation projects, particularly within the field of circular bioeconomy. Her professional background includes positions in municipal government and non-governmental organizations, where she engaged in public administration, strategic planning, and social initiatives. Additionally, she has worked as an entrepreneur, founding and managing her own business, which allowed her to apply her skills in management, marketing, and community engagement. Her experience is enriched by her involvement in European projects, where she has contributed to cross-border cooperation, sustainability, and innovation activities. Mrs. Skapste’s career demonstrates a strong commitment to bridging theory and practice, with a focus on fostering sustainable regional development, bioeconomy solutions, and inclusive community-driven growth.
Research Interest 🔬
Mrs. Inese Skapste’s research interests lie primarily in the areas of circular bioeconomy, sustainable rural development, social innovation, and regional competitiveness. She is particularly focused on exploring how bio-based resources can be utilized more efficiently to promote environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions for local communities. Her work often examines the integration of sustainability principles into regional development strategies, aiming to create value chains that support green growth and resource efficiency. She is also interested in the role of community engagement and stakeholder collaboration in driving innovation and implementing bioeconomic practices. Additionally, Mrs. Skapste investigates how social enterprises and grassroots initiatives can contribute to the resilience and sustainability of rural areas. Through her research, she actively contributes to interdisciplinary projects that bridge academia, industry, and policy-making, striving to foster knowledge-based, sustainable transformation in line with European Green Deal objectives and global sustainability goals.
Award and Honor🏆
Mrs. Inese Skapste has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the fields of rural development, sustainability, and regional innovation. Over the years, she has received multiple awards and honors acknowledging her academic excellence, leadership in research projects, and active role in promoting sustainable development practices. Her work has been commended by academic institutions and governmental bodies for its impact on policy formulation and community-based development. She has also been invited as a keynote speaker at various international conferences and workshops, reflecting her reputation as a respected expert in her field. Additionally, Mrs. Skapste has received honorary recognition for her contributions to collaborative European Union projects that focus on the circular bioeconomy and rural resilience. These awards not only highlight her commitment to interdisciplinary research but also emphasize her influence in shaping forward-looking strategies for regional competitiveness and ecological sustainability across Europe and beyond.
Research Skill🔎
Mrs. Inese Skapste possesses a strong set of research skills that blend interdisciplinary knowledge with practical application. She has expertise in conducting comprehensive research on sustainable development, circular bioeconomy, and resource efficiency, particularly focusing on the valorization of bio-based resources such as Baltic Sea algae. Her skills include advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods, such as Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and data synthesis from peer-reviewed literature. Mrs. Skapste is highly skilled in project design, development, and management, having led several cross-border and European Union-funded research projects. She excels in data analysis, market research, and impact assessment, particularly in evaluating the economic potential of bioresources. Her ability to translate complex scientific findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders demonstrates her strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, she has extensive experience in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and government.
Conclusion📝
Inese Skapste is a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award, especially in categories related to applied agricultural research, bioeconomy, sustainability, and innovation. Her interdisciplinary background, ongoing contributions, policy-level involvement, and passion for sustainable development distinguish her as a forward-thinking and impactful researcher.
While further strengthening her academic publication profile and international collaborations could enhance her candidacy even more, her existing portfolio already reflects excellence in bridging science, practice, and policy — a hallmark of modern, solution-oriented research.
Publications Top Noted📚
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Economic Potential of Algae Biostimulant for Sustainable Agriculture in the Baltic Sea Region: Impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis Digestate Extract on Basil Growth Promotion
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Author: Inese Skapste, Gunta Grīnberga-Zālīte, Uldis Zaimis
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Year: 2025
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Type: Journal article
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DOI: 10.3390/su17073268
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Source: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
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The Potential of Baltic Sea Algae as an Agricultural Resource Enhancing Sustainability in Latvia
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Author: Inese Skapste, Gunta Grīnberga-Zālīte, Aina Dobele
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Year: 2024
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Type: Conference paper
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DOI: 10.22616/RRD.30.2024.031
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Source: Crossref