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
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.
Research policy in Latvia is developed in accordance with the Latvian Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3)
The Ministry of Education and Science develops the State policy for the development of science and technology. They are also responsible for coordinating international cooperation programmes in the fields of research and technology and maintaining the National Research Information System.
The Ministry of Economics develops innovation policy. They 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 public awareness measures.
The National Development Plan of Latvia for 2021-2027is 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.
The Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030 is 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 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.
‘Guidelines for the Development of the Transport System for 2021-2027’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.
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
Within Latvia, the 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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
