Participation in the Latvian-German Local Government Forum "Latvian-German Synergy: driving force for digital transformation" and the “Smart Country Convention” in Berlin clearly shows that Riga is making a very powerful statement in this area and that we have great potential. It is an opportunity for companies from the Latvian capital to enter the German market, as well as to establish valuable contacts for future cooperation, stresses Linda Ozola, Deputy Mayor of Riga.
The Latvian-German Local Government Forum was organised on 14 October by the Embassy of Latvia in Germany in cooperation with the representation of the City of Bremen in Berlin. Aim of the Forum was to further develop mutual dialogue and exchange of experience, in particular on matters related to digitisation of the public sector.
On 15 October, one of the largest public digitisation events in Europe, the “Smart Country Convention 2024”, opened at the Berlin Exhibition Centre, where Latvia has been selected as an official partner state to present its experience in implementing digital solutions in public administration, municipalities and public enterprises. The fair was attended by more than 100 representatives from Latvian companies, science, municipal and public institutions. Riga local government is represented by L. Ozola, representatives from Riga Digital Agency (RDA), Riga Investment and Tourism Agency (RITA), City Development Department, etc.
"The digitisation of Riga started intensively at the turn of the century, by setting up the first databases and e-services. A major challenge, but also an opportunity that we were able to take full advantage of, was the period of pandemic, during which we rapidly digitised our internal municipal processes and also found ways to deliver almost all municipal services remotely. Riga as the capital of Latvia should take the lead in implementation of new digital solutions, because technologies developed by large municipalities can be useful both for smaller municipalities and for other countries", stressed Linda Ozola, Deputy Mayor of Riga, during the panel discussion "From Paper to Pixels: Digital Transformation in Local Governments".
"Riga is on its way to becoming a smart city. This involves a lot of intensive, but invisible work, which takes money and time, but the benefits will then be felt by all the end-users. We are facing a growing labour shortage, which is why we need to be active in the field of digital and artificial intelligence, involving both our residents and entrepreneurs. Riga has support programmes in place, focused on implementation of various pilot projects that, in case of success, can be developed further. Participation in the Latvian-German Local Government Forum and the “Smart Country Convention 2024” clearly shows that Riga is making a very powerful statement in this area and that we have great potential. It is also an opportunity for companies from the Latvian capital to enter the German market, as well as to establish valuable contacts for future cooperation", stated L. Ozola.
Arnis Gulbis, Director of the RDA, noted that Riga can offer different ideas and solutions for digital architecture to Germany, as our city has rapidly progressed in this area, outpacing many peers. Almost all the municipal services are now available digitally, with a single handling process, allowing to apply for almost every service provided, from tree felling permit to a kindergarten application, in the eServices section.
"Digital solutions are not a magic wand, they require a change of habits, so everything has to work in synergy and also try to maintain physical ways of accessing different services. German consumers are conservative, so introducing new solutions is a major challenge. We can give various tips to get around different "stumps" we have encountered in our experience. Previously, digital processes were subordinate to physical processes - paper, but now it's the other way around - we find a new digital idea and then adjust the relevant papers. Introducing new solutions requires courage, quick wit, money for investment and political will", pointed out A. Gulbis.
"The Local Government Forum launched in Berlin confirms the close historical partnership between Latvia and Germany in the field of investments and tourism. In their opening speeches, the Mayor of Bremen and other high-ranking officials highlighted Latvia's outstanding achievements in digitisation. This assessment brings significant added value to Riga, both in terms of promoting the export of innovative digital solutions and attracting new investment in the future. Riga will present its projects at the “Smart Country Convention”, which is a great opportunity to attract new talent and companies", said Fredis Bikovs, Director of RITA.
More than 15,000 participants will take part in the fair “Smart Country Convention”. The event was opened on 15 October at the Berlin Exhibition Centre by Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs, the President of Latvia, and Ms Nancy Feser, the Minister for Interior of Germany. The fair will focus on digitisation, technology, digital infrastructure, cyber security and data protection.
According to IDAL, Latvia and the Baltic States in general have established themselves as leaders in digitisation and data security. In Latvia, 84% of internet users use government e-services and digital identification. More than 91% of public sector services are available online. Latvia is the only EU Member State where the administrative process in the construction sector is fully digitised.
In 2023, Germany was Latvia's 3rd largest goods export partner and 2nd largest goods import partner. Latvian exports to Germany amounted to €1.26 billion, while imports from Germany amounted to €2.61 billion. In 2023, exports of goods to Germany accounted for 6.6% of Latvia's total exports of goods, while imports - 11.2% of total imports of goods. The main products that Latvia exported to Germany were wood products, machinery, mechanisms and electrical goods. Products mostly imported from Germany are vehicles, machinery, mechanisms and electrical goods, and chemical products. In the first six months of 2024, Latvian exports to Germany amounted to 609.6 million euro, while imports from Germany amounted to 1.19 billion euro.
Participating in the trade mission to Germany will be Latvian companies and organisations such as “TET”, “Mobilly”, “LMT”, “Nordic Homes”, “TIAMO grupa”, “Adventum Tech”, “Tilde”, “TESLA”, “ZZ Dats”, “WeAreDots”, “Tietoevry”, “Zvaigznāja komanda”, “Apply”, “CMB”, “EdTech”, “Helmes”, “Brīvs”, University of Latvia, “UberHint”, “Lielvārds”, “Datorium”, “Riga Business School”, German-Latvian Chamber of Commerce, Latvian Wood Construction Cluster, IT Cluster, as well as representatives of local governments and other institutions.
Information was prepared by: Mārtiņš Vilemsons, Project Coordinator at External Communication Division of Riga City Council, email: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv