Research and Innovation background
Research policy in Latvia is developed in accordance with the national Guidelines for Science, Technology Development, and Innovation and the Law On Scientific Activity.
The Latvian research system is developed in line with European Research Area (ERA) to synchronize the Latvian research system with the systems of other EU member states, increase research results to EU standards and strengthen the capacity of scientists in Latvia to solve global societal challenges.
Some key strategy documents for the country include:
- Latvian Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3): Research policy in Latvia is developed in accordance with the Latvian Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3).
- National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027: Latvia’s main medium-term development planning document. It outlines strategic objectives, priorities and measures to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to improve the quality of life in Latvia over the time period.
- Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030: The highest national-level, long-term planning document. The document outlines 11 key objectives, including “Improvement of Accessibility” which encompasses planning and development of transport infrastructure.
- The Science, Technology Development and Innovation Guidelines for 2021-2027: 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 specific strategies and plans include:
- Guidelines for the Development of the Transport System for 2021-2027: 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.
- National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Includes investments in sustainable transport, such as the overhaul of the Riga Metropolitan area transport system.
- National Road Development Strategy 2020-2040: Plans for 1,000 km of high-speed roads by 2040 to improve connectivity and reduce travel times.
The Guidelines for the Development of the Transport System 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
- Strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
The framework for research and innovation in Latvia is supported by a robust network of organizations and stakeholders.
- Ministry of Education and Science: Plays a major role in research and innovation activities. They develop national science and technology development policy and coordinate international cooperation programs in the fields of research and technology.
- Ministry of Economics: 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.
- Latvian Council of Science: Provides strategic direction and funding for scientific research.
- Academy of Sciences: Promotes scientific excellence and international collaboration.
- 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.
Organisations responsible for transport innovation:
- Transport and Telecommunication Institute (TSI): 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).
- Ministry of Transport: Develops and implements transport policies, including sustainable mobility solutions.
- ITS Latvia: Brings together mobility enterprises and government organizations, driving collaboration to create smarter, safer, and more efficient transport solutions.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
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.
- European Union Cohesion Policy programme 2021-2027: Paves the way for investments from the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund+ and the Just Transition Fund. The cohesion policy funds will boost the development of the country towards a more competitive, greener and fairer economy. The CF and ERDF will invest in sustainable modes of transport including railways and better tram and cycling infrastructure in cities.
- Research Latvia: Builds a stable and strong national research environment, enabling international and public-private partnerships to emerge.
- Latvian single multi-fund Operational Programme “Growth and Employment”: Aims to achieve key national development priorities including 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.
- Policy Support Facility (PSF): Provides specific support to Latvia to advise on reforms to research and innovation.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)