Region: Latvia D AT E : 3 1 . 0 5 . 2 0 1 6

P R E S E N T E R : K R I S TA P S S O M S

I N S T I T U T I O N : T H E M I N I S T R Y O F E C O N O M I C S O F T H E R E P U B L I C O F L AT V I A

Territorial Context and Background

Location

Key economic, social and geographic characteristics

Main industries

Relevant Science, Technology and Innovation Assets (Universities, Technology Centres…)

Cluster Policy Background in the Region/Territory

Date of Implementation ◦ EU fund program as cluster policy development tool

Policy Design and Implementation Process & Actors ◦ 2007-2013 planning period – 11 clusters supported ◦ 2014-2020 planning period – 14 clusters will be supported

Cluster Characterisation in your Region ◦ 72% of clusters are based on already functioning structures (associations, unions, etc.) ◦ Mixed tasks and missions

Support Programmes (Characteristics) ◦ Criteria for selecting / supporting Cluster organisations:

◦ Volume of export ◦ Volume of turnover ◦ Number of members

◦ Type of Assistance ◦ Financial support which is 6,2M EUR, approx.. 450K per project

Cluster Organisations Ecosystem in the Territory

Cluster Organisations in the Territory ◦ Sectors:

◦ 2007-2013: turism, ICT, electronics, food and bevarage, wood, metal, chemistry and pharmacy, cleantech, space technology sectors

◦ 2014-2020: + mineral production; light industry; paper production and printing; health and social care; transport; cross-sectoral

Number and Typology of Affiliated Members ◦ Supporting just SMEs

◦ Average 26 companies per cluster (2007-2013)

◦ At least 20 members + at least 2 educational organizations (2014-2020)

◦ Average number of employees depends on sector

Cluster Organisations Ecosystem in the Territory

Cluster Organisations Governance

◦ Private (cluster are separate legal entity, informal organization, part of some larger legal entity)

Cluster Organisations Funding

◦ ERDF cluster programs

◦ 15% Private and 85% Public (EU)

Cluster Organisations’ Services and Tasks

◦ Cluster tasks in fund program: promote export, innovations, internationalization, new product creation, increase the high value added products and services, ensure scientific collaboration, develop potential of human resources, etc.

Territorial

RIS3 Design Process ◦ (Government driven, participation of private sector, other agents…)

◦ Latvian RIS3 – a strategy for transformation of economy towards production of higher added value products and services

◦ RIS3 Strategy implemented in EU funding programmes

Main RIS3 Priorities

Territorial

Cluster Organisations’ Role in RIS3 Design and Implementation in the Territory

◦ Implemented in the cluster selection rules (2014-2020)

◦ Too early to forecast the challenges, impact, etc.

Regional Partner’s Contribution & Expectations

Contributions (Experiences & Competences)

Goals & Expectations

ERDF cluster programs

Improvement of effectiveness

Innovation promotion

Sustainability

Cluster management professionalism

Other comments

In best scenario - cluster policy as part of national industrial policy…

Meet you in Riga!