Close cooperation between science and industry is path to Latvia's greater competitiveness - PM

RIGA - Close cooperation between science and industry is the path to Latvia's greater competitiveness, Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity) said during a meeting with University of Latvia Rector Gundars Berins on Thursday.

As the prime minister's spokeswoman Anna Udre told LETA, Silina and Berzins discussed the university's development plans and the innovation ecosystem, as well as met with young researchers.

The prime minister and Berzins discussed the university's development plans, the training of new teachers, lifelong learning opportunities and programs that enable STEM specialists to obtain teaching qualifications.

During the conversation, the prime minister emphasized the importance of the university campus - a place where students and professionals from different fields can meet, collaborate and inspire each other, noting that such an environment not only promotes the exchange of knowledge, but also the generation of new ideas.

The prime minister also met with Solvita Kostjukova, co-owner of the science-intensive start-up company Alina, Annija Emersone, co-founder of P-Agro Minerals, and scientists Julija Karasa, Ruta Ozola-Davidane and Sandija Ozolina-Grinevica, as well as visited a pharmaceutical laboratory.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to women's opportunities in science, the prime minister's spokeswoman said. Various challenges for young scientists and the need to strengthen the environment for development, including commercialization and interdisciplinary cooperation, were also discussed.