Latvia is part of EUREKA – the world’s largest public network for international cooperation in research, development, and innovation. This year, for the first time, Latvia will participate alongside Estonia and Lithuania in the Global Innovation Summit 2025 (GIS), which will take place on April 1–2 in Germany as part of Hannover Messe. Participation in this event will contribute to the development of the Baltic innovation ecosystem.
GIS is one of the most significant EUREKA events, organized by the presiding countries (Germany and Canada in 2024/2025) in collaboration with the EUREKA Secretariat.
The summit features presentations of EUREKA programs, informational sessions, thematic panel discussions, and networking events to help find international partners for research and development projects. The Baltic States panel discussion and pitch session "Innovating the Future – A Focus on the Baltic Nations" will be held on April 2 from 10:30 AM to 12:15 PM (CEST) in Hall 18 of the Hannover Fairground. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss innovation cooperation opportunities, while entrepreneurs can present their ideas and attract partners not only from Europe but also from Canada, Brazil, Chile, Singapore, South Africa, and South Korea.
"By working together, we can overcome challenges more effectively and build sustainable collaboration that benefits all EUREKA countries while fostering long-term economic growth. Our current priority is the development of high-level human resources and the promotion of research excellence.
I am confident that the collaboration between Latvian scientists and entrepreneurs with other EUREKA network members will continue to deliver significant results, creating innovative solutions, new products, and technologies that strengthen both international competitiveness and recognition in Europe and worldwide," says Dr. sc. ing. Linda Vecbiškena, Latvia’s representative in the EUREKA High-Level Group and Project Manager at the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Ministry of Education and Science.
Latvia has been a full member of the EUREKA program since 2000, with its participation ensured by the Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science. This provides a unique opportunity for Latvian researchers and entrepreneurs to develop innovative projects with international partners. At the Global Innovation Summit, Latvia, for the first time collaborating with the other Baltic states, will showcase its scientific and innovation potential on a global scale.
Organizers of the Baltic States panel discussion and informational sessions: EUREKA, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia, Latvian Council of Science, the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of the Republic of Estonia, the Research Council of Lithuania, and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania.
The participation of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia and Latvian Council of Science representatives in the event is implemented within the framework of the ERDF project No. 1.1.1.1/1/24/I/001 "More Effective and Smarter Implementation and Management of Latvia’s Science Policy".
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About EUREKA
EUREKA is one of the world’s largest international cooperation networks, established in 1985. It unites 47 member states, including full and associated members, covering all European countries as well as Canada, South Africa, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, San Marino, Turkey, Israel, Chile, and Argentina.
EUREKA activities involve the ministries and agencies of these countries, responsible for implementing innovative projects. Their representatives not only ensure the functioning of programs but also promote international cooperation by developing bilateral and multilateral collaboration programs based on EUREKA’s principles. They also provide guidance to stakeholders in their respective countries, particularly businesses and research institutions, on opportunities for collaboration with other countries.
