R&D Expenditure
R&I projects
R&I projects by STRIA Roadmap
Evolution of daily funding by mode (Eur)
Top 5 beneficiaries
Distribution of R&I projects by transport mode
Number of projects by funding origin
Distribution of EU funding by transport mode
Objectives of the national research and innovation agenda in Latvia are defined in a number of laws, regulations and policy documents.
In accordance with Law on Scientific Activity, the Cabinet of Ministers determines the State policy for the development of science and technology, as well as innovation, approves the priority scientific fields and State research programmes, determines the fields and subfields of science of Latvia, as well as performs other activities specified in this Law.
The Ministry of Education and Science develops the State policy for the development of science and technology, prepares a request for the allocation of annual State budget resources for the ensuring of scientific activity according to the State policy for the development of science and technology, may enter into delegation and participation agreements regarding the introduction of international cooperation projects and programmes, ensuring the recognition of Latvian science and the shaping of public understanding regarding the importance of science for the development of a sustainable state, co-ordinates international cooperation programmes in the fields of research and technology and in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, ensures support for participation in such programmes, maintains and updates the National Research Information System, as well as performs other activities specified in Law on Scientific Activity.
The Ministry of Economic develops innovation policy, may enter into delegation and participation agreements regarding the introduction and implementation of international technology transfer projects and programmes, popularisation of examples of innovation good practices and the implementation of innovation active public awareness measures.
The National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027is the highest national-level medium-term planning document with the goal of agreeing upon the most important medium-term priorities, areas of action, objectives and indicators of their implementation. This document has been developed in accordance with the Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030 (Latvia2030) and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Science, Technology Development and Innovation Guidelines for 2021-2027 is a medium-term policy planning document that defines goals and priorities of the country's science, technology development and innovation policy up to 2027. In the framework of the national development planning system the Guidelines is part of the Smart Specialization Strategy and contributes to the achievement of the goals set out in the country's long-term and medium-term policy planning documents.
Transport Development Guidelines for 2021-2027 (TDG2027) is a medium-term transport policy planning document that defines goals and priorities in the transport sector. Transport policy objective is an integrated transport system that ensures safe, efficient, intelligent and sustainable mobility, contributes to the country's economic growth, regional development and to the transition to a low-carbon economy.
TDG2027 are developed in accordance with other sectoral policy planning documents, of which it would be important to mention:
- National Energy and Climate Plan for 2021-2030
- Low Carbon Development Strategy of Latvia 2050
- Air pollution reduction action plan 2020-2030
Within Latvia, the Ministry of Education and Science plays a major role in research and innovation activities. Theydevelop national science and technology development policy and coordinate international cooperation programs in the fields of research and technology.
The Ministry of Economics is the leading government authority in the field of economic policy, whose competences include development and implementation of innovation development policy. Information on innovation such as: innovation theory; innovation policy in Latvia and the European Union; innovative products in Latvia; innovation support programs; is available on the Latvian Innovation Portal.
The Latvian Council of Science also plays a part in the institutional framework:
Riga Technical University (RTU) conducts research and cooperates with international research institutions such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN, European Space Agency, KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.
Research at RTU is organized on six research platforms. One such platform is Transport, including research in:
- Energy efficient and safe road and rail transport;
- Safe and financially efficient air transport;
- Efficient transport infrastructure;
- Reliable and safe methods for diagnostics of technical condition of vehicles and transport infrastructure.
Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TSI) is the only privately owned technical institute in Latvia, which is certified as an academic and research organization. TSI is the lead and participant of Transport and Logistics related projects in programmes such as Horizon Europe, Interreg, Erasmus. TSI is also a valued member of the European Conference of Transport Research Institutes (ECTRI).
For research funding, universities and institutes typically use EU funds within the various international research programs (HORIZON Europe, Interreg, ERASMUS +, EU 9th Framework, etc).
Current funding sources and programmes include:
- The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) uses the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) to boost innovation across Europe. EIT Urban Mobility launched a RIS hub in Latvia in 2021 to widen participation in innovation.
- Investment and Development Agency of Latvia works to implement innovation policies, including transport and storage as a key sector.
- Latvian single multi-fund Operational Programme “Growth and Employment” - aims at achieving key national development priorities. This includes supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors including the development of low-carbon transport.
- INTERREG EUROPE aims at improving cohesion policy across the EU, Norway and Switzerland. One of its four priorities is focussed on research, technological development and innovation.
- The Policy Support Facility (PSF) provides specific support to Latvia to advise on reforms to research and innovation.
Latest projects
Study on the possible transformation of Latvia's large port authorities into state capital companies
Study on cycling and cycling infrastructure at the national level
Study on the European Parliament and the Council 2014 Directive 2014/94/ES of 22 October on Scenarios of the Introduction of Alternative Fuels
Comprehensive study on the risk factors affecting road traffic safety in Latvia
Study on the deployment of ITS in the field of road transport and their interfaces
Innovative Materials and Smart Technologies for Environmental Safety
Freight traffic flow research and rerouting from Riga city center
Energy efficient and low-carbon solutions for a secure, sustainable and climate variability reducing energy supply
TRIMIS Search Hub
Latest funding programmes
Optimisation of the Transportation System in Latvia
Latvian Transport Development Programme
National Programme on Information
