Regional Studies Association

Grant Scheme (MeRSA), investigates what determines gender differences in subjective wellbeing across old and new EU member states and also across different welfare regimes. Judit concludes that there are a great variety of institutions, policies and macroeconomic, as well as social contexts, across Europe that affects differences in wellbeing. Her research confirms welfare and gender regime typology, as well as the finer measure of generosity of welfare provisions, to matter; as these not only affect individual decisions on labor market participation, education and fertility (many of which are desired policy goals) or outcomes, like subjective wellbeing, but also socioeconomic processes and even gender norms in the long run.

Abstract The accumulation of knowledge and its use have become important factors that promote economic development as they contribute to a countryís competitiveness in the global economy. The basic significance of research is obtained by defining new approaches in the organisation, function and efficiency of the higher education system (HES) by emphasising its qualitative aspects. The aim of the article is to describe the influence of education reform on economic competitiveness, paying a special attention to analysing and evaluating international experiences from an interdisciplinary perspective, including economics, pedagogy, etc. Quantitative indicators are used to characterise specific features of the HES and the interaction of this system in the overall context of state development. Some aspects of the Latvian HES are also analysed. The economic activity of inhabitants often directly depends on their level of education. In order to reorganise the Latvian HES and increase its competitiveness and efficiency, thus ensuring quality and availability, the Latvian education system must define a middle-term (4ñ5 years) and long-term (10ñ15 years) development plan that is coordinated with national economic development.

This presentation reflects on scholarly communication within the learned society sector taking the Regional Studies Association as a case study. It reviews the traditional forms of working of the Association and its responses to readily available technologies via the Internet and World Wide Web, and why the Association has embraced the use of some aspects of technology but drawn back from moving rapidly down the electronic publishing route. Drawing on the experiences of two other learned societies which are taking part in different pilot projects in this area, it will argue that for many learned societies a prudent approach would be wise, but that it is necessary to monitor the potential of this technology in improving benefits to members.