Good morning!
Good morning, Mister Minister, Madam Director!
Dear friends!
It is absolutely clear that there is evident truth that innovation is the key to productivity. It is a key to economic development, and it is a key to competitiveness.
This aspiration is clear. Latvia has already shown that all four – innovation, productivity, economic development and competitiveness – are possible. Our scientists are pushing boundaries in deep tech fields like quantum technology, materials science, space and clean energy. Our companies are offering high value-added products around the world. While we have much to be proud of, we also should acknowledge that gaps remain.
Innovators still face barriers like limited infrastructure, like fragmented cooperation between science and businesses and a long difficult road from research to market. And it is clear - they need more practical support. First, creating new opportunities starts with attracting investment. Building global partnerships and joining big science initiatives like CERN, The European Organization for Nuclear Research, like European Space Agency, and ITER, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.
Second, cooperation is essential. We cannot afford to compete against ourselves. Collaboration between science and business is the foundation for developing deep technologies.
And third, education, research and talent must go hand in hand. We want to see Latvia as a place where ideas are not only born but also achieved. A place where young scientists thrive without having to leave. Where global investors come not just to consume but also, they come to build. To build together with us, with our talent. And I can assure you - we are ready to do better. I am also very glad that the government and the Minister of Economy both are ready to tackle these challenges.
The global context has changed. Security, artificial intelligence and energy independence – these are policy goals. But also, these are goals of innovation. And I want to use this opportunity to invite our international partners to join these opportunities.
Innovation should not be a catchphrase. And I am sure that you will be talking, and you will be hearing about innovation. But let’s also be practical.
Innovation should not be a checkbox in a long strategy paper. If we say it matters, then also we must tackle innovation seriously. If you are serious about deep tech technologies, then innovation means hard choices and long-term commitments.
Today I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has already invested their work and resources to build science-based development in Latvia. Today we celebrate these success stories – Longenesis, BirgerMind, Naco Techologies, Origin Robotics and many more. I hope that this event brings many new partnerships, investments and also many ideas for smarter future!
I wish you really good deliberations, really good conference! Thank you very much!
