Smart specialization assessment in Latvia

Pelse, M., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava; Lescevica, M., Vidzeme Univ. of Applied Sciences, Valmiera

Smart specialization assessment in Latvia

2016

Pelse, M., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Lescevica, M., Vidzeme Univ. of Applied Sciences, Valmiera (Latvia)

The paper compiles different explanations and definitions of smart specialisation in Latvia. The development of smart specialization strategies (RIS3) should promote the competitiveness of countries or regions. For national level, RIS3 helps concentrate resources and support innovations. Desk research identifies lack of regional level when comparing smart specialisations in different countries. Nevertheless, some regions in Latvia have still stated RIS3 when elaborating their regional development strategy. The research performed is mainly based on desk research by using content analysis and the monographic method. An assessment tool from the RIS3 Assessment Wheel elaborated using the S3 Platform may be also used for assessment of RIS3 development in Latvia. The RIS3 of Latvia and Lithuania were compared and the differences were connected with transportation, usage of natural resources and society development. The RIS3 of Lithuania referred to the development of a sustainable environment, which was not present in the RIS3 of Latvia. The development of Latvia’s RIS3 has been assessed by using the RIS3 Assessment Wheel. The development of a tool for the synthetic representation of the progress made in drafting/designing a RIS3 allows condensing a huge amount of information in one visual model. There is measured development of Latvia’s RIS3 by comparing Latvian state institution official opinion with articles authors, performed as a first probation. There should be continued research on the regional level of Latvia, involving more experts and specialists particularly from the sectors representing smart specialisation priorities.

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