Cooperation partners

The government has developed and implemented a national strategy enabling communication, cooperation and execution of tasks among stakeholders—industry, government and academics—involved in making investments successful.

Cooperation with municipalities

We work closely with local municipalities throughout the country, enabling cooperation and support for individual investors. At the moment, we have established cooperation with 56 Latvian municipalities and their contact persons, which ensure the exchange of information and more quality reception of the investor.

There are three special economic zones (Liepaja, Latgale, Rezekne) and two free ports (Riga and Ventspils) operating in Latvia. We also have 28 co-working facilities not only in the capital city of Riga but also in the regions. Local governments offer many more opportunities.

Cooperation with academia

Latvia`s unrivalled technology infrastructure, highly educated, English-speaking workforce and accessible government provide companies with the knowledge and resources they need to turn innovation into bottom-line results. Research institutes and universities are active participants in working with investors to develop innovations, products and patents. 

Latvia offers a world-class education in different study fields – Engineering, Medicine, Business, Tourism, Public Relations, Banking, Nature Sciences and Social Sciences. 

There are 80 000 students in higher education in Latvia and around 10 000 international students. Public institutions, 33 in total, are controlled by the Ministry of Education and Science and 21 private higher education institutions. In Latvia, there are 6 universities and academies, 21 higher education institutions and academies, 17 colleges (not including 8 higher education agencies) and 2 branches of foreign universities. 

As a multi-ethnic country, tuition may be offered in Latvian, Russian, English or a combination of all three.

Cooperation with scientific institutions

There are 21 state-funded scientific institutions and 48 privately funded scientific institutions in Latvia. Information on Latvian scientific institutions, researchers, research infrastructure, projects and research results is compiled in the Latvian National Scientific Activity Information System (NZDIS).

Latvia offers a modern and safe study environment, internationally recognized academic staff, very competitive tuition fees, reasonable living costs and the degrees obtained in Latvia are recognized in all European Union countries.

In Latvia, an initiative has been created to modernize higher education institutions and increase resource efficiency for providing a modern study and research environment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) areas. It includes medical and creative industries, study programs and promotion of higher education in line with economic development and the labour market.

To work towards the same goal, the Latvian government implemented the Latvian Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3), an economic transformation strategy for higher value-added, productivity and resource efficiency. The purpose of RIS3 is to increase the capacity for innovation and create an innovation system that fosters and supports technological progress in the economy.

Smart specialization areas:

1. Knowledge-based bioeconomics 
2. Biomedicine, medical technologies and biotechnology
3. Smart materials, technologies and engineering systems
4. Smart energy
5. Information and communication technologies

Contacts

Riga office

Address: 2 Perses Street, Riga, Latvia, LV-1442
Web: www.investinlatvia.org
For more information: invest@liaa.gov.lv
Phone: +371 25710113
For tailored advice contact our team of experts