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.