The Latvian Council of Science (LCS) has become a partner in the international project NCP4EIT (formerly EIT‑BEST – NCP EIT Training, Networking and Best Practices Initiative), which brings together 24 organisations from 22 countries. The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the National Contact Points (NCPs) of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and to improve support for organisations in making use of EIT opportunities.
Within the Horizon Europe framework, the EIT programme promotes collaboration between businesses, research institutions and higher education organisations by bringing them together in Knowledge and Innovation Communities. These communities operate in strategically important areas for Europe, fostering innovation development, entrepreneurship and the introduction of new solutions to the market. National Contact Points (NCPs) form the main link between the EIT and local innovation ecosystems — their expertise and capacity directly influence how successfully national companies, universities and research organisations can engage with EIT opportunities.
The NCP4EIT project focuses on strengthening this network by enhancing NCP knowledge and skills, promoting the exchange of experience and best practices among countries, reinforcing cooperation with EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities, and encouraging broader participation from innovation ecosystem stakeholders. A stronger NCP network ensures more equal opportunities for all participating countries — including Latvia — to fully benefit from the advantages offered by the EIT.
Within the project, the Latvian Council of Science (LCS) takes a leading role in project communication and public outreach, coordinating these activities across the entire consortium. This includes developing a joint communication strategy and visual identity, as well as ensuring that project results and EIT opportunities effectively reach target audiences in all partner countries. In addition, LCS contributes to the analysis of EIT participation and impact, providing data‑driven insights into how different countries engage in EIT activities, and supports several other project work packages.
Participation in NCP4EIT strengthens the competence and international cooperation of Latvia’s EIT National Contact Point, thereby improving support for Latvian organisations in accessing EIT opportunities and reinforcing Latvia’s position within the European innovation network.
