Latvia offers a window to the European artificial intelligence market. Part 1

A member state of the European Union located in the Baltic region and a leader in digitalization, in recent years Latvia has been expanding its ambitions and reinforcing its position in artificial intelligence (AI). While major US corporations are currently cautious in introducing AI solutions in Europe due to relatively stringent regulations, as a small country Latvia can provide the most important elements for AI development – knowledgeable experts and flexible, fast testing of AI solutions.

An artificial intelligence center to be created in Riga

One of the most important decisions taken by Latvia in the area of AI recently is the initiative supported by the President of Latvia to create an advanced Artificial Intelligence Centre in the capital city of Riga. The center will aim to promote innovation and cooperation in various sectors, with a special focus on sustainable technology and addressing global challenges pertaining to security, education, health care and efficient public governance.

According to Gatis Ozols, Deputy State Secretary for Digital Transformation Issues at the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, this project will not only bring the best AI talents and researchers from around the world to Latvia but will also promote partnership with the California tech ecosystem in the United States.

“By taking advantage of Latvia’s unique geographic location as a gateway to Europe, the new Artificial Intelligence Centre will aim to create a dynamic platform for developing innovations in line with the Californian values of creativity and progress. We believe that the new center will promote economic growth and inter-cultural exchange between the two regions,” Mr. Ozols emphasizes. 

Latvia: an AI-friendly country

In recent years, the government of Latvia has purposefully prepared for the introduction of AI and the results speak for themselves: regulations have been drafted, various digital services have been introduced and Latvia has emerged as a leader in Europe in terms of digitalization of public administration. 

Digital infrastructure in Latvia:

- 93.1 % of all households have an internet connection (2023)

- 91.5 % regular internet users

- OECD leader in mobile data usage

- one of the first to introduce 5G internet technologies

“While the majority of mobile operators around the world still see 5G as the faster internet connection for household and offices, we achieved the same with 4G and are now exploring completely new solutions with 5G: defense, drones, connected and self-driving cars, various on-line sensors for smart cities, homes, factories etc.,” says Juris Binde, President of Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT).

The start-up industry is rapidly growing in Latvia with several successful start-up ecosystems focused on AI technologies, such as TechChill, StartUp Wise Guys and others. Many successful start-ups have been created that specialize in language technologies, FinTech, logistics and health care. Several research centers and universities are actively involved in studying AI. For example, the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Riga Stradiņš University offer research programs focused on developing AI technologies, machine-learning and data processing.

“Latvia has ambitions to become the friendliest place for introduction of reliable artificial intelligence solutions. We are promoting a safe environment for experimenting and generating ideas thus facilitating faster creation of innovative solutions in a short period of time,” Mr. Ozols highlights.

Information material prepared with the support of the Recovery Fund. The author is solely responsible for the content of this publication. The views expressed herein do not reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Commission.