Latvia to be Partner Country of the Smart Country Convention 2024

Latvia is the official partner country of the Smart Country Convention 2024. From October 15 to 17, Latvia will present innovative solutions for the digitization of administrations, public enterprises, and cities and municipalities at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The Baltic state is considered a pioneer in digital administration.

Edgars Rinkevics, President of the Republic of Latvia, will jointly open the Smart Country Convention with German Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser on October 15, 2024. President Rinkevics emphasizes Latvia's desire to share its experiences in digital transformation: "Latvia can be proud of its advanced digital services and products in the government and business sectors. The German-Baltic Digital Innovation Club initiative, launched last year, demonstrates this shared goal of our policymakers and serves as a foundation for further strengthening economic cooperation and knowledge exchange. This event offers a valuable opportunity for Latvian companies. I encourage participation and actively leverage the fair's benefits,” said President Rinkevics.

Latvia and the Baltic region have become leaders in digitalization and data security. In Latvia, 84 percent of internet users utilize eGovernment services and digital IDs, and over 91 percent of public services are conducted online. Latvia is the only EU country where the entire administrative process in the construction sector is entirely digitized.

"Latvia demonstrates what is possible with digitalization. Its citizen portal, Latvija.lv, is a central hub for all digital services. At the same time, Latvia ranks 5th globally on the National Cyber Security Index, reflecting its comprehensive measures to protect digital infrastructure and counter cyber threats," explains Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst. "In Germany, we don't always need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to digitalization. The exchange with Latvia at the Smart Country Convention is a unique opportunity to learn from their flagship projects and experiences."

More than 15,000 experts from politics, business, academia, and administration will gather from October 15 to 17, 2024, at the Smart Country Convention at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Over 600 speakers will share best practices for the digitalization of the public sector across five stages. As part of the curated expo, more than 300 exhibitors will showcase innovative solutions for digital administration, smart cities, and smart regions.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Latvia as the partner country of the Smart Country Convention," says Dr. Mario Tobias, Managing Director of Messe Berlin. "Latvia's impressive progress, such as its nationwide e-government system that significantly eases citizens' access to government services, is an inspiring example for all of us. The Smart Country Convention is the ideal place to broaden our horizons and learn from excellent solutions for our municipalities and administrations."

The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) is organizing Latvian companies' participation in the event. This involvement enables companies to showcase themselves at the stand and be featured in the official Forum programme, enhancing visibility and fostering cooperation with international partners.

"Latvia has reached a remarkable level in the digitalization of public administration and various processes, and as a partner country at the Smart Country Convention 2024, we will be able to share the solutions offered by our companies in various fields. This is an opportunity for Latvian companies to enter the German market and establish valuable contacts for future cooperation," said Raivis Bremsmits, Director of LIAA. 

The Smart Country Convention is an essential platform for Latvian companies to establish direct contacts with potential German public sector partners and learn about the latest trends and innovations in public digitization and smart cities. The German public sector digitalization market is expected to reach €50 billion in the coming years. This market offers many opportunities for ICT companies wishing to expand their operations and find new partners in Germany.

The Smart Country Convention is the leading event for the digital state and public services. With over 15,000 participants, it is the meeting point for everyone involved in the digitalization of the public sector. The congress, workshops, expo, and networking are aimed at administration, politics, the digital economy, associations, and academia employees. The SCCON is organized by Bitkom e.V. and Messe Berlin.

Free Smart Country Convention 2024 tickets are available in the online ticket shop: Online-Ticketshop.

High-resolution press photos of the Smart Country Convention can be downloaded here. Videos about the event and the topics of the Smart Country Convention can be found here.