Experts at UL discus regional monitoring development prospects and Vidzeme’s innovation potential

The "Marketing and Innovation" session brought together over 30 researchers, experienced entrepreneurs, and representatives of the society, who actively discussed strategies for regional development. The discussions not only facilitated interdisciplinary knowledge exchange but also provided new directions, recommendations, and examples to further enhance Vidzeme’s sustainable growth. Practical solutions were proposed, based on internationally recognized examples and a deep understanding of regional specificities.

"Today's regional development challenges require a data-driven approach that integrates international experience with local needs. In our discussions, we emphasized not only the importance of regional economic monitoring but also the need to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions, businesses, and society so that Vidzeme can become a model for sustainable development and innovation in the Baltics," stated professor Anda Batraga, the session chair.

The discussions highlighted opportunities for adapting international experience. Finland’s smart specialization strategies and digital platforms, such as Helsinki’s "Growth Engine", were presented as models for data transparency and real-time analysis. Germany’s cluster approach, particularly in bioeconomy, woodworking, and information and communication technology sectors, offers a model for fostering collaboration between research institutions and businesses. Canada’s regional development agencies provide best practices for attracting investments and managing open data to facilitate strategic planning.

Experts emphasized the need to develop a regional economic monitoring system based on digital solutions and precise data analysis to help identify development opportunities and challenges. The discussion stressed the importance of fostering cooperation between businesses, research institutions, and municipalities through cluster models that integrate resources and expertise to create high-value-added products and services. Additionally, the need for in-depth network and collaboration analysis was highlighted to identify interactions between companies, suppliers, and customers, ensuring a better understanding of regional economic dynamics and new cooperation opportunities.

The significance of these discussions lies not only in the exchange of ideas but also in the development of concrete recommendations that will help position the Vidzeme Planning Region as an innovative hub that makes data-driven decisions. The conclusions drawn serve as an important stepping stone for the region’s strategic planning, ensuring both local and global competitiveness.

The results of the "PoliRuralPlus" project, conducted within the "Horizon Europe" program, not only support the development of the Vidzeme region but also outline new perspectives for regional economies across Europe. Such initiatives demonstrate that international scientific cooperation can significantly enhance the quality of regional governance and promote sustainable growth.