Today, September 4, in the premises of Riga Technical University (RTU), the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia Anda Čakša signed an important intergovernmental agreement with the government of the United States of America on cooperation in the field of science and technology. This agreement marks a new phase in the relations between the two countries, promoting not only scientific progress, but also economic development and strengthening of global innovation networks.
"International cooperation in science and technology is crucial for fostering innovation, economic growth, and global prosperity. The longstanding partnership between Latvia and the USA in science and technology is a vivid example of how we can jointly address contemporary global challenges, including improving public health, protecting the environment, and strengthening national security," comments A. Čakša, Minister of Education and Science.
“The U.S.-Latvia Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation will encourage vibrant and innovative partnerships between our two countries. We hope this agreement will lead to new projects between American and Latvian scientists and researchers, deepening our scientific cooperation. The Agreement represents the floor – not the ceiling – of what our two nations can accomplish when we work together,” emphasizes Christopher T. Robinson, the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia.
"As a science university that has made innovation as one of its priorities, the signing of this agreement is very significant for us, because collaboration between Latvia and the United States will give our scientists the opportunity to work closely with their U.S. colleagues, forging new contacts and new perspectives in the creation of innovative technologies. If we want to strengthen our international standing, then we have to be active in the international arena, gaining the necessary experience from foreign colleagues and providing them with our expertise," says Tālis Juhna, Rector of RTU.
The current agreement, signed on July 6, 1994, between the United States and the government of the Republic of Latvia on scientific and technological cooperation, was concluded before Latvia became a member of the European Union. Over the past 30 years, Latvia has made significant strides in research and technology development in cooperation with US scientific institutions and researchers.
The agreement plays a vital role in the development of science and technology, as well as in the promotion of educational excellence, and the modernization of the economy. International cooperation will provide Latvian scientists with broader opportunities to collaborate with leading US universities and research institutes, thus enhancing the quality of research and increasing Latvia's international visibility in the field of science. On the other hand, the solutions created because of scientific and technological collaboration will also be implemented in Latvian companies, boosting their competitiveness, and fostering innovation across various sectors.
Collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs promotes the growth of an innovative economy in both countries, creating new jobs and strengthening global competitiveness. The agreement will enhance opportunities for Latvian scientists and innovative entrepreneurs and will be a new step forward in the cooperation between our countries in research, technology, education, and innovation.
The draft regulation "On the Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of the United States of America on Cooperation in the Fields of Science and Technology" was reviewed and approved at the Cabinet of Ministers meeting on July 9th, 2024.
Photo: Kaspars Zborovskis.