RTU faculty members appointed to help strengthen Latvia’s competitiveness

In support of this vision, the implementation of plans and strategies is crucial, with competitiveness relying on business, science, education, and innovation performance. 

To strengthen Latvia’s competitiveness in these fields, as well as to improve the country’s evaluation in terms of innovation and competitiveness indicators, President Rinkēvičs established the State Competitiveness Commission on Wednesday, October 4. 

Bringing together experts in the fields of education, science, and business, the Commission will focus on practical solutions and best practices, like simplifying administrative procedures, to enhance Latvia’s competitiveness.

«In order for Latvia to be a prosperous, strong, and modern society, it is necessary to significantly increase the rates of economic growth and competitiveness of our country,» stated President Rinkēvičs.

He added, «I see the issue of Latvia's competitiveness as part of our security strategy. The more closely integrated we are in global markets, the safer our country will be. Currently, there are obstacles in the interaction between education, science, and business, which hinder the development of innovations.»

In total, 11 high-level specialists will work in the commission, including RTU Vice-Rector of Innovations Liene Briede. Arnis Šutka, Professor and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Business at Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (Latvia) was appointed as the chairman of the State Competitiveness Commission. 

«I believe that one of the commission's main tasks will be to develop specific proposals and good practice recommendations for, for example, the reduction of various administrative and bureaucratic obstacles in order to strengthen Latvia's competitiveness,» President Rinkēvičs added in his outline of the commission's tasks.

The Commission has defined the following tasks: 

• prepare an analysis of current educational, scientific and economic processes and trends, identifying potential improvement opportunities;
• to offer recommendations and alternative choices for decision-making to promote competitiveness;
• develop proposals based on science and an analytical approach on the necessary legislation or development planning documents to eliminate the identified shortcomings or administrative obstacles and promote competitiveness;
• submit the commission's analysis and proposals in the form of a report at least once every six months to the President for evaluation and possible further progress;
• promote the discussion of development scenarios, as well as motivate active public involvement in discussions;
• develop cooperation with other experts and scientists at the international level.

The main work topics for 2024 include: strengthening the role of science and education to increase Latvia's competitiveness, promotion of scientific innovation capacity and transfer to business, and the development of Latvian business specialization areas.