Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and compare the current trends in development of the second largest cities in each Baltic state – Tartu (Estonia), Kaunas (Lithuania), and Daugavpils (Latvia) – as smart destinations, based on publicly available tourism information.Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a case study employing a descriptive research method, and the authors reached their conclusions based on this material. Furthermore, the paper primarily focuses on literature and new research which deals with tourism in the 21st century, its innovations, changes, and trends.Findings: The levels and directions of development of Tartu, Kaunas, and Daugavpils as a smart tourism destination are different. Although all three are the second largest cities in each Baltic State, their initial historical development, availability of resources, locations, and strategic development of the country show differences in development. Tartu conforms to the standards in all four categories. However, the category of digitalization receives the most attention and contributes to the positive smart destination result in the other three categories. Comparatively, Daugavpils records fewer current achievements according to the STDC, although the authors believe that there is potential that can be seen in the strategic policy documents. However, judging by all four categories, Daugavpils, similarly to Kaunas, currently demonstrates the greatest achievements in the culture heritage and creativity category.Originality/value: This paper presents data and compares smart tourism development trends in the second largest cities in each Baltic country.

The present research assesses the potential of rapeseed oil soapstock for producing lecithin and its application in the food industry in the context of the circular economy and bioeconomy. The theoretical part summarizes information on the types of lecithin and its production technologies and functional properties, while the empirical part combines semi-structured interviews with 30 experts and company representatives (in Latvia and abroad) and a laboratory experiment with rapeseed soapstock samples. The data provided by the experts were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, while the soapstock samples were tested for dry matter, lipid content, and lecithin and acid oil yield using the techniques of n-hexane Soxhlet extraction and fractionation with cold acetone. The experts’ ratings showed that rapeseed lecithin is technologically competitive with soybean and sunflower lecithin, especially to produce bread, flour confectionery, as well as oil and fat, thereby providing good emulsification capability, texture improvement, and stabilization. The highest potential for the introduction of rapeseed lecithin has been identified in the oil and fat, bread and flour confectionery segments, but wider use is currently hampered by high production costs and lower market visibility. This research demonstrated the practical possibility of isolating lecithin from rapeseed oil soapstock. The laboratory experiment revealed that it is possible to obtain lecithin from rapeseed soapstock in amounts of 1.4–5.2% of the total weight of soapstock (6.2–23.5% of dry matter), which confirmed the usability of rapeseed soapstock as a raw material for lecithin production. The results confirm that the use of rapeseed oil soapstock to produce lecithin can reduce the amount of industrial waste and increase resource efficiency, thus reducing dependence on imported soybean lecithin. Rapeseed lecithin can be found as a sustainable alternative to soybean and sunflower lecithin with potential for oil and fat and bread production.

At the outset, startups need to choose a strategy that will enable them to operate in the long term. A proper strategy for startups ensures the development and overall viability of their products or services. The present research was conducted to identify the most suitable development strategies for startups in the Baltic States. Accordingly, the research aims to evaluate alternative startup strategies, considering external and internal factors. Research methods: monographic, SWOT analysis, and the quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM). Experts were selected using the targeted sampling method, based on the following selection criteria: experience in startup management or active involvement in the startup ecosystem in the Baltic States. The research involved 12 experts from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The research was conducted between November 2025 and January 2026. The geographical coverage was Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. First limitation of the research was that it provided insight into the five proposed startup strategies for the Baltic States, while other alternative strategies were not considered, given the limited scope and the need for in-depth analysis. The second limitation was that the sample includes 12 experts, including representatives from all three Baltic ecosystems, but they are not in the same numerical ratio. The main conclusion was that the intensive strategy was the most significant one. The second most important alternative strategy was the financial strategy. The least important alternative strategy was the sustainability strategy. The results showed that startups in the Baltic States focused on intensive market entry and product development, as well as strategic financial management, to develop in the long term.