Expert Discussion on the Development of Riga as a Smart City

, , , , , ,

On April 24, 2025, the Riga City Council hosted an expert discussion titled “Smart Riga: Now and in the Future”, where leading experts from public administration, business, academia, and non-governmental organizations discussed how to further develop Riga as a smart city and ensure effective collaboration between institutions and organizations.

The discussion was organized by the Riga Municipality to gather insights and proposals from industry representatives and to foster a shared understanding of Riga’s smart city development. Participants included experts from the fields of technology, innovation, academia, and public administration, who shared their visions and insights on current trends.

The Riga City Development Department has drafted the Riga Smart City Guidelines for 2025–2030, a strategic document that will serve as a roadmap and policy planning tool to ensure a unified approach to smart city development. The public consultation on the guidelines was open until May 6.

The first part of the discussion featured presentations by sector experts on the potential for smart city development in Riga. Presenters included:

  • Inese Andersone, Chair of the Riga City Council City Development Committee
  • Dr. Juris Binde, President of SIA “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons” and Chairman of the Board of the association “Latvijas Formula 2050
  • Diāna Korbe, Head of the Geomatics Division, Riga City Development Department
  • Jānis Kampars, Associate Professor at Riga Technical University
  • Viesturs Celmiņš, Executive Director of the innovation movement “VEFRESH”

The presentations were also broadcast on the Riga Municipality’s YouTube and Facebook channels under the name “Rīga attīstās” (“Riga Develops”).

In the second part of the discussion, experts focused on how Riga can become the smartest and most sustainable city in the Baltics, and how to enhance effective cooperation to achieve smart city goals. Additional participants included:

  • Kristaps Klauss, Vice President of the Latvian Forest Industry Federation
  • Edmunds Beļskis, Council Member of the Latvian ICT Association
  • Elīna Egle-Ločmele, Chairwoman of the Board of the Latvian Security and Defence Industries Federation
  • Valts Murāns, Project Manager at the European Digital Innovation Hub
  • Fredis Bikovs, Director of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency
  • Valts Murāns, Project Manager at the Latvian IT Cluster and ITS Latvia
  • Inese Pommere-Bramane, Senior Expert at the Ministry of Climate and Energy
  • Jānis Delviņš, Business Division Manager at the Latvian State Radio and Television Centre
  • Dita Krecere and other sector experts

The discussion was moderated by Inese Andersone and Andris Nātriņš, Board Member of the BA School of Business and Finance and Board Member of the association “Latvijas Formula 2050”.

Forum “How Does Europe Support Service Digitalization and How Can We Use It?” Brought Together Latvia’s Smart Community Leaders

, ,

On April 15, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development hosted the forum “How Does Europe Support Service Digitalization and How Can We Use It?”. The event aimed to strengthen the digital readiness and understanding of Latvia’s municipalities. It was held within the framework of a European Commission initiative promoting the adoption of digital tools and digital twin technologies in regions and cities.

The forum was organized by VEFRESH in collaboration with Smart Communities Network Latvia and gathered over 100 participants from national government, local municipalities, the research sector, and technology industries. Attendees gained practical insights into several European Commission support tools such as LORDIMAS, the Online Procurement Helpdesk, the Living-in.EU knowledge platform, and other digitalization instruments.

The forum demonstrated a strong interest in practical, applicable digital tools across Latvian regions and confirmed the clear need for such events.

Programme Highlights:

10:00–10:05
Opening of the Forum
Viesturs Celmiņš, VEFRESH, Smart Communities Network Latvia

10:05–10:15
Digital Transformation in Latvia and the Role of Municipalities in the Digitalization Process
Inga Bērziņa, Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development

10:15–10:25
European Commission Support Instruments for Promoting Digitalization
Viesturs Celmiņš, VEFRESH, Smart Communities Network Latvia

10:25–10:40
Why Do We Need Digital Twins? Planning Next-Generation Digital Infrastructure in Europe
Arnis Gulbis, Director, Riga Digital Agency
Inga Barisa, Riga Digital Agency, “EDIC on Local Digital Twin & Citiverse Latvia”, Chair of the Living-in.EU Finance Working Group

10:40–11:25
Experience of Latvian Municipalities in Data Management: EU Support Tools for Digital and Smart Communities (Living-in.EU)
Artis Gustovskis, Head of the Kuldīga Digital Centre
Linda Alksne, IT Service Management Process Lead, Liepāja Municipality
Diāna Korbe, Head of the Geomatics Division, Riga City Development Department

11:25–11:40
Opportunities and Challenges in Developing the EU Open Data Management Platform in Latvia
Jānis Krakops, Data Management Division, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development

11:40–12:20
Panel Discussion: “How to Promote Service Digitalization, Competence Development, and Open Data Management in Regions and Cities?”

The forum affirmed that collaboration between municipalities, national authorities, and European institutions is a key prerequisite for successful digital transformation.