The innovation landscape across the Baltics and Europe continues to evolve through strategic collaboration and sustainable initiatives. On April 1–2 in Hanover, Germany, the EUREKA Global Innovation Summit—one of the most prominent international cooperation events in innovation and technology—took place. The summit also highlighted the innovation potential of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, and their role in the global research and technology development ecosystem.
During a dedicated Baltic States panel discussion, experts addressed the region’s competitiveness and the role of technology in ensuring Europe’s security, economic strength, and sustainable growth.
“The Baltic States are in an excellent position to contribute to Europe’s shift toward competitiveness and security. An open economy integrated into the EU Single Market, the availability of human capital, and the willingness of researchers to engage with international companies make the Baltic States key players in shaping Europe’s future,” said Aleksandrs M. Blūms, Research and Space Affairs Counsellor at Latvia’s Permanent Representation to the EU, who represented Latvia during the panel discussion.
In 2025, Latvia has assumed the Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers, further strengthening regional cooperation. The Baltic States are actively developing joint projects to promote entrepreneurship, regional development, and cross-border cooperation. Research plays a crucial role in these efforts, providing innovative and sustainable solutions.
At the panel discussion titled “Innovating the Future – A Focus on the Baltic Nations”, experts from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia explored innovation priorities and future collaboration opportunities, focusing on high-level innovation trends and the reinforcement of strategic partnerships in the European context.
“Latvia has a strong scientific foundation, with internationally recognized researchers and significant innovation potential. To fully harness this potential, closer cooperation between science and industry is essential. This would foster the growth of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and lead to the creation of new, competitive solutions. By acknowledging both their strengths and weaknesses, Latvian scientists and entrepreneurs must deepen collaboration with peers in neighboring countries—thus enhancing not only national competitiveness but also the visibility, vision, and values of the entire Baltic region,” emphasized Dr. Linda Vecbiškena, Latvia’s representative in the EUREKA High-Level Group and Project Manager at the Ministry of Education and Science’s Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
The Baltic States are increasingly advancing innovation and technology, enhancing the region’s global competitiveness. For instance, Latvia offers an attractive environment for businesses and research centers, where highly qualified specialists in STEM and IT are developing new innovations. To fully capitalize on this potential, closer science-industry collaboration is critical to support the development of new technologies and products.
The deep tech sector in the Baltics is experiencing rapid growth, with startups in this area accounting for 20% of the total startup capitalization in the region. Investment in this sector continues to increase. According to the latest data, the Baltic region is the fastest-growing in Europe in terms of deep tech company valuations. To sustain this momentum, targeted cooperation among governments, businesses, and researchers is needed, along with innovative tools to help companies more effectively connect and collaborate with scientists.
From May 4–6, 2026, the next EUREKA Global Innovation Summit will be held in Basel, Switzerland, offering Latvia another opportunity to further engage in the international innovation ecosystem. The summit serves as a platform for Latvian researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to showcase achievements, initiate new collaborations, and strengthen Latvia’s role in the European and global innovation landscape.
The panel discussion attracted representatives from a wide range of organizations, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the development of science and innovation. Attendees included delegates from the National Research Council Canada, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, DLR Project Management Agency, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), EUREKA Association, Eurescom GmbH, the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce, European Nanoelectronics Association AENEA, and other partners.
More information about EUREKA programs is available online.
Organizers of the Baltic Panel Discussions and Information Sessions:
Ministry of Education and Science (Latvia)
Latvian Council of Science
Estonian Business and Innovation Agency
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications of the Republic of Estonia
Research Council of Lithuania
Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania
Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian Council of Science participated in the summit 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.”
