Without science there will be no economy of change - Caksa

RIGA - If sufficient funding is not dedicated to science, there will also be no economy of change, which is necessary for Latvia's development, Minister of Education and Science Anda Caksa (New Unity) said in an interview with Latvian Television this morning.

"When talking about the budget, one of the biggest emphasis is really to have additional funding for science," said the minister.

Caksa said that the aim of the education system is to produce smart people. At the same time, the whole society, parents, teachers, and children themselves must work to make improvements.

Greater funding for higher education is also mentioned in the new government declaration.

"We will increase the total funding of research and development by no less than 1.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), implementing Latvia's Smart Specialization Strategy, implementing international cooperation and cooperation with industry, attracting international funding, primarily focusing on the Horizon Europe program and the participation in global research organizations, as well as by expanding the operation of the innovation fund in accordance with the principles of transparency, fair competition and effectiveness. We will promote the innovation process in research organizations," according to the government declaration.