• To analyse the historical and forward looking contextual influences on, and implications for, HE reform in selected national case studies
• To exchange and analyse outcomes of existing CE training projects, with a focus on Latvia
• To obtain an analytical overview of national responses to EU policy
• To contribute to end of year policy briefing paper for the influence of future policies on CE in Central and Eastern Europe in relation to EU enlargement

The Secretary of State, Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, Andris Sarnovics, opened the proceeedings and welcomed the delegates. Prof. Baiba Rivza, Head of the Higher Education Council of Latvia, then presented a review of the system and structure of higher education in Latvia. Her presentation was followed by each of the national delegates providing a short overview of the higher education systems in their countries (supported by written materials distributed previously). These opening proceedings provided a solid foundation for the network, identifying both the rich diversity of the different systems and the common themes. It will be a stimulating challenge for HERN to explore and communicate the benefits of diversity while also seeking to facilitate convergence in accessibility and mobility within pan-European higher education.

Latvia is investing in broadening its higher education provision, particularly in developing the continuing and employment related aspects of HE. The 9 papers illustrated the very considerable changes and developments that Latvian HE is involved in. There has been considerable systemic change, issues of quality are high on the agenda as are the fundamental purposes of HE. There has been very considerable development in taking HE outside the traditional institution through continuing education and the use of more flexible and accessible methods and technologies. The papers were:

• "Five years of HE reform in Latvia". Dr  Janis Cakste. Director, Department of Higher Education and Research, MoES
• "Five years of HE reform in Latvia". Dr Atis Kapenieks. Director, Distance Education Study Centre, Riga Technical University
• "Securing  HE quality in  the world of change". Dr Elmars Bekeris. Vice-rector on academic work, Riga Technical University
• "Integration of HE and science today".  Prof. Indrikis Muiznieks. Vice-rector on research, University of Latvia
• "The role of EU educational programs in the HE reform". Mag. Soc. Sc. Alina Gzibovska. Director of International Office, Latvia University
• "Development of Continuing Education in Latvia". Mag. Paed. Ilze Buligina. Head of the Board, Continuing Education Development Foundation
• "Continuing Education (CE) and improved access through flexible learning". Dr Ilmars Slaidins. Dean of Telecommunication Faculty, Riga Technical University, Head of the National Contact point in Distance Education
• "Effective use of IT in the modernisation of HE and CE". Dr Atis Kapenieks. Director, Distance education study centre, Riga Technical University
• Local and international networking in CE".  Dr Ineta Kristovska, Director of the Distance Education Centre of Latvia

The seminar was followed, on Saturday, 26 January, by a Network management meeting. Though not a formal academic objective, the development of a social dimension to the network is important. The hosts organised an informal dinner for all participants which certainly gave the network a most enjoyable social launch but the the overall organisation of the seminar included many opportunities for networking and developing contacts. As a result of this additional dimension, HERN has moved from being a virtual network to a network of people.

HERN gratefully acknowledges the support of the Latvian partners and wishes to give especial thanks to Ilze Buligina for organising the seminar so efficiently and to Andris Sarnovics and the Ministry of Education and Science for their memorable hospitality.