LIAA joins Taftie, the European Network of Innovation Agencies

The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has joined Taftie, the European Network of Innovation Agencies. As a member, LIAA will benefit from the network’s knowledge and experience, and gain access to new support opportunities for Latvia’s entrepreneurs and research organisations.

“One of LIAA’s tasks is to work on innovation development in Latvia by attracting international partners. Taftie can provide an environment for exchanging experiences with many European agencies. Being part of the Taftie network will expand the opportunities for Latvian entrepreneurs to attract additional resources and to participate in international cooperation projects in the field of research and development,” emphasises Kaspars Rožkalns, Director of LIAA.

With the support of the Taftie network, Latvian entrepreneurs and research organisations will be able to form new partnerships and attract innovation grants from the European Union (EU) and other sources. One such funding source is the EU’s Regional Innovation Valleys programme, where projects proposed by at least five EU Member States will be eligible for research and development support.

Currently, 34 organisations from 28 European countries are part of the Taftie network. Member organisations have over 8000 employees and a combined innovation budget of more than EUR 10 billion. Another resource is the Taftie network’s close cooperation with innovation agencies in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Brazil.

Taftie aims to strengthen international cooperation by providing a platform for training and knowledge sharing among its members. The organisation serves as a single point of contact to attract new potential partners in different sectors.

The organisation supports its members in developing innovation ecosystems by promoting the effectiveness and efficiency of support to turn innovative ideas generated in Europe into competitive products and services. Overall, Taftie’s work is based on creating a more favourable environment for research and innovation. 

LIAA already provides significant support for innovation through programmes such as Support for Digitisation of Processes in Business, Innovation Motivation Programme, Business Incubators, Startup Support Programmes, Support for Attracting Highly Qualified Employees, Support for Commercialisation of Research Results and others.

Source: Press release
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