Digitalization and sustainability are no longer just visions of the future – they are becoming a fundamental part of modern business and societal development. In collaboration with the media platform DIENA PĒC, a new podcast series, #digiSpēja, has been launched, where industry experts discuss how digital solutions and sustainable practices interact, creating a new paradigm of thinking.
The discussion in the second episode featured Jekaterina Macuka, Director of the Data State Inspectorate; Mārcis Pinnis, Head of AI Development at “Tilde”; Maija Orbidāne, Head of Sustainability Services at PwC Latvia; and journalist Inga Spriņģe. The conversation was moderated by Kristaps Pētersons.
This time, the focus was on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and ethics.
Jekaterina Macuka emphasized that when introducing new digital tools, it is important not to forget about data protection and human dignity. She pointed out that the Data State Inspectorate will have to oversee how the EU AI Act is implemented in Latvia, but the key priority is to ensure public trust and a clear awareness of the risks.
Mārcis Pinnis introduced the European large language model developed by Tilde, designed with geopolitical and ethical considerations in mind. He noted that it is vitally important for companies and society to use reliable and verifiable solutions based on high-quality data.
Maija Orbidāne highlighted sustainability reporting, where digital tools can be an important aid, but the ultimate responsibility remains in human hands. She stressed that sustainability reporting is primarily intended for external users – investors, clients, and society – and therefore it is crucial to ensure data accuracy and context.
Inga Spriņģe shared her experience with disinformation and warned that AI is increasingly being used to create manipulative content. She urged people to critically assess sources and not to rely on information spread only in a “joke” format.
The discussion confirmed that ethical and responsible solutions with reliable data are essential not only for regulation and security, but also for ensuring companies’ competitiveness.
This approach is also reflected in the ESG Tool, which helps companies evaluate the impact of their activities on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. The ESG Tool provides practical recommendations, improves data quality, and facilitates the preparation of sustainability reporting, serving as a reliable digital assistant on the path to sustainability.
We invite small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies to listen to the latest episode of the #digiSpēja podcast to learn how high-quality data and reliable tools, including the ESG Tool, can become an essential support in companies’ digital transformation and sustainability processes.
The podcast is available on YouTube and Spotify, and is conducted in Latvian.
#digiSpēja podcast is created as part of the SusTool (Sustainability reporting tool) project (2023-2025) which is financed by Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme 2021-2027, 1 Priority Innovative societies, 1.2 Objective Responsive Public services and it contributes to EUSBSR PA Innovation Action.
Latest information about the project:
Interreg website
Linkedin
Youtube
Project partners include the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications as the lead partner from Estonia, and as partners: the Ministry of Finance, Zero Waste Estonia and ITL from Estonia; VARAM and LIKTA from Latvia; DIMECC LTD from Finland, INFOBALT from Lithuania and several associated partners from the mentioned countries, as well as Poland. The project will conclude on December 31, 2025.
Project manager
Santa Bileskalne
Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia
+37167026551
santa.bileskalne@varam.gov.lv