In an unprecedented hackathon, state administration employees, policy makers, entrepreneurs, representatives of the academic environment, investors and students identify and develop ideas for the development of the state's competitiveness, including the development of innovation, productivity, human capital, reducing bureaucracy, making data-based decisions, strengthening the state administration's capacity to act, etc. The ideas will be validated and used in the work of the State Competitiveness Commission established by the President and in the forum dedicated to international competitiveness issues, which is scheduled for October 25 in the Riga Palace.
The State Competitiveness Hackathon was organized by the State President's Office and the State Competitiveness Commission in cooperation with the Riga Technical University (RTU) Science and Innovation Center.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the participants of the hackathon, working in interdisciplinary teams, developed solutions for the directions of competitiveness defined by the State Competitiveness Commission. The teams presented a data usage model for unified data analysis, systematization and use in policy making; solutions for raising digital skills for the needs of companies and society; a digital hybrid solution for strengthening students' math skills; offers for optimization of the procurement process; as well as the idea of creating a unified framework for increasing the investment of state capital companies in innovations.
"It has already been a year since the State Competitiveness Commission was established. This event marked a significant transition from feasibility study works and the implementation of several initiatives to the involvement of the wider society, leaders of various sectors and high-level decision-makers in shaping the further agenda. Only by working together under one banner for the development of Latvia, we can promote the understanding of the need to introduce the much-needed changes to promote Latvia's competitiveness, as well as increase the motivation to accomplish this task," RTU vice-rector for innovation Liene Briede underlines the importance of the event.
The RTU Science and Innovation Center has extensive experience in organizing various local and international hackathons, which has allowed to accumulate valuable knowledge in generating ideas and promoting innovations for almost ten years. Many hackathons have so far been successfully implemented in cooperation with industry players, attracting high-level specialists and professionals from various fields.
The State Competitiveness Commission brings together education, science and business experts. It acts as a strategic think tank of the President's institution, a creator of conclusions and action models based on data and analysis, in order to promote the improvement of Latvia's assessment in innovation and competitiveness indicators.
Photo: Gints Ivuškāns