In the “Digitalisation Success Stories” programme, Kārlis Dandzbergs, co-owner of ALFA VSI, explains how digitalisation has become an important tool in the development of “Nākotnes Parks” – from security solutions to smart aviation infrastructure. His experience demonstrates how strategically implemented technologies can improve business operations and create new avenues for development, including a broader ambition to establish a medical helicopter service, which is currently not available in Latvia.
Dandzbergs’ story is rooted in his family’s business experience, which over time has evolved into new investments and projects. “To understand how we got to where we are today, I think we need to start with a little history,” says Dandzbergs, outlining the journey that led to the present day.
One of the main areas of development is “Nākotnes Parks” in Jelgava Municipality – a site where the company is developing an industrial environment, leasing premises to businesses and bringing together entrepreneurs from different sectors in one location.
Several companies are already operating in the park, including a helicopter service centre and pilot school, as well as manufacturers that use the park’s industrial infrastructure. However, the project is not solely focused on business.
“Our core business is leasing industrial premises, but on top of that we have also created a tourist attraction,” Dandzbergs explains.
Visitors can take guided tours and explore the “Laika mašīna” (“Time Machine”) museum, which features a collection of Soviet-era artefacts.
This combination of an industrial site, aviation and tourism is relatively unusual in Latvia. The growing number of visitors also demonstrates the location’s appeal. “Last year, we welcomed more than 2,500 visitors,” says Dandzbergs, highlighting that an industrial site can become an unexpectedly attractive destination in Latvia. This approach enables the company to develop its core business while also creating additional sources of revenue.
Digitalisation plays a significant role in the park’s development and has taken a very practical form. Security systems have been introduced in the park’s older buildings, including alarm systems, fire safety solutions and video surveillance. Meanwhile, the heliport has been equipped with smart lighting that enables pilots to activate the landing site remotely. This significantly improves operational response times and enhances safety across the site.
“The biggest challenge is understanding where the company is heading and whether a particular project is genuinely necessary,” Dandzbergs emphasises.
The company’s most ambitious initiative, however, addresses a much broader issue – Latvia still does not have a dedicated medical helicopter system.
“We have invested more than EUR 140,000 to assess the need for a medical helicopter service in Latvia,” Dandzbergs reveals.
The aim is to develop a solution that could significantly reduce emergency response times in critical situations.
The idea is based on a very tangible benefit for patients.
“The helicopter can take off within two minutes and reach any location in Latvia within an hour,” Dandzbergs says, adding that “when we talk about the golden hour, that is the critical period in which a patient needs to reach the operating table.”
In his view, time can often determine the difference between saving a life and a tragic outcome.
Dandzbergs concludes by emphasising the broader significance of the project: “We need to be able to save every life.”
At the same time, his story illustrates another important point: digitalisation is not simply about technology. It is a tool for streamlining processes, improving safety and creating a foundation for bigger ideas.
Listen to real stories from entrepreneurs about how digitalisation helps businesses grow, compete and export in the “Digitalisation Success Stories” series every Thursday shortly after 14:00 on Radio SWH and Radio SWH TV.
Latvian companies have access to a wide range of state- and European Union-funded support for business development, brought together on the unified business portal business.gov.lv and its subsite liaa.business.gov.lv. Companies can find information there about various programmes, ranging from funding for innovation and new product development, export promotion and international cooperation opportunities to grants for digitalisation, technology implementation and productivity improvements.
The project is co-financed by the European Union Recovery and Resilience Facility (NextGenerationEU) and the Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027. The preparation of this article was funded with support from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
