EDIC: Support for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Development in Latvia
According to the 2022 EU Digital Economy and Society Index, Latvia currently ranks 17th out of 27 EU member states, approaching the EU average. However, in terms of digital technology integration, Latvia is in 23rd place. This indicates that entrepreneurs need to engage much more actively in the digitalization processes, and digital maturity tests will be crucial for companies to prioritize investments in services and processes that will yield the highest returns.
What is the European Digital Innovation Hub?
European Digital Innovation Hubs are part of the European Union’s “Digital Europe Program,” which began operations in the third quarter of 2022. The goal of these hubs is to promote digital transformation, i.e., the implementation of digital technologies in businesses, public administration institutions, and to improve citizens’ advanced digital skills. Since these hubs will operate in all EU member states, Latvia will also be included in the broader European digital technology ecosystem. This will provide an opportunity to learn from the experiences and knowledge of other countries, as well as share Latvia’s own expertise.
The European Digital Innovation Hub is ready to become a digital guide for every Latvian entrepreneur to foster the country’s digital development.
The European Digital Innovation Hub in Latvia aims to improve business productivity and competitiveness by providing support to develop and implement tailored, innovative, market-ready digital and e-commerce solutions. The focus will be on strengthening the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt digital technologies and new solutions, as well as providing training, supporting businesses’ efforts to attract investment, and, most importantly, offering companies a platform and expertise to test technologies before investing in them.
The hub’s activities align with Latvia’s Smart Specialization Strategy, and areas have been identified where the creation of new products and technologies, as well as additional research competencies, are currently most needed. To promote the overall economic growth of the country, digital transformation in manufacturing sectors such as agri-food products, electronics, engineering, wood processing, and healthcare is crucial. Entrepreneurs in these sectors are particularly encouraged to collaborate.
For successful operations, regional contact points will be established, one of which is the Vidzeme Planning Region, to effectively reach out to entrepreneurs and provide them with the opportunity to initiate discussions about the services and support options offered by the Latvian Digital Innovation Hub. Several services will also be offered locally at the regional contact points – training, consultations, the opportunity to complete a digital maturity test, as well as business support services, among others.
Where to start?
- Start with the test “How Digital Are You?” to determine your company’s digital maturity.
- Learn more about the available services – the “Digital Development Path.”
- Guidebook – an orientation tool for the program’s opportunities; information on criteria important for applying for funding programs – the Digital Development Guide for Latvian Businesses.
For more information: https://dih.lv/lv
Financed by the European Union and the European Union – NextGenerationEU. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission is responsible for them.
