Eastern Border Innovation Ecosystems: Cooperation between Finland and Latvia to Promote Resilience and Competitiveness

The event on 2 June in Brussels, Belgium, will bring together representatives of the innovation ecosystems of Latvia and Finland to promote regional cooperation, share best practices, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem, with particular attention to preparedness and resilience in the regions along the eastern border of the European Union.

Latvia’s and Finland’s innovation ecosystems have demonstrated strong scientific excellence and growing business capacity; however, in today’s rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environment, resilience and preparedness have also become critically important priorities. Universities, small and medium-sized enterprises, technology transfer offices, and public institutions must strengthen their ability to navigate commercialization processes, secure strategic funding, and develop breakthrough innovations. At the same time, persistent challenges—such as transforming research results into market-ready solutions, strengthening commercialization capacity within academia, and ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises are able to fully leverage opportunities at the European Union level—highlight the need for closer cooperation and knowledge exchange across borders.

Instead of focusing solely on European Union instruments, the discussions will highlight the practical experience and approaches of both countries, analyzing how these can be expanded and strengthened with the help of European initiatives. At the same time, the event will offer networking opportunities and the exchange of experience, promote closer cooperation, and foster the development of the innovation environment in the eastern region.

The event is organized by the Permanent Representation of Finland to the European Union, the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the European Union, the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities, the Latvian Council of Science, LMT, Ækora, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Business Finland, the City of Kuopio, and Patria.

Registration is open until 31 May.

The event will take place at the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities, Square de Meeûs 1, 1000, Brussels, Belgium.