Latvia

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