Mihails Silov's doctoral thesis, titled "Institutional solutions to unlocking the growth of Latvian fish processing" (Jelgava, 2024), critically examines the pivotal role of fish processing in bolstering Latvia's economy. This research posits the hypothesis that by overcoming institutional barriers hindering development, fish processing can significantly contribute to economic growth in Latvia. The thesis aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Latvian fish processing sector, thereby scientifically substantiating institutional strategies that can foster the industry's "blue growth". To achieve this objective, the study outlines several key tasks: 1. Develop a holistic framework for analyzing and enhancing the fish processing industry, grounded in economic theory. 2. Identify and explicate factors that support the development of Latvian fish processing, drawing upon institutional economic theory, and emphasize the sector's historical and cultural significance. 3. Analyze the role of fish processing within the international technological division of labor and assess institutional elements blocking the industry's growth. 4. Evaluate potential institutional interventions in Latvia's fish processing sector and assess their fiscal impact on national and local government budgets. Research object is Latvia's fish processing industry. The subject of the research is the economic development of the Latvian fish processing industry.Comprising four interconnected chapters, the thesis systematically explores various dimensions of the topic. The first chapter investigates theoretical, historical, and sustainable development aspects, contextualizing the fish processing industry within a broader economic framework. It discusses the international technological division of labor and cluster development, and examines state roles in stimulating economic growth. The second chapter offers an in-depth analysis of the cultural and historical evolution of Latvia's institutional environment for fish processing. This foundational chapter aids in comprehending the industry's current institutional framework, setting the stage for proposed institutional interventions. In the third chapter, the Latvian fish processing industry's positioning within the international technological division of labor is examined. This section highlights the industry's current status, the "lock-in" effect, the restricted implementation of research and marketing functions, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impacts. The fourth chapter proposes institutional solutions aimed at fostering industry growth and augmenting budget revenues. It discusses potential state interventions, their policy implications, and the economic effects of technological innovation and automation. The proposed solutions include establishing a national marketing research program, an industrial research center, a targeted technological research program, and demonstration equipment for production process automation. The thesis concludes with recommendations to overcome the hindering factors and stimulate industry growth. This doctoral thesis significantly contributes to understanding Latvia's fish processing industry and offers practical strategies for its advancement. It presents key findings, identifies challenges, and proposes solutions for addressing them. The thesis comprises 141 pages, 36 images, 30 tables, 1 appendice, and 366 references, encompassing both Latvian and international sources.
