On October 22–23, Riga hosted the leading Northern European technology and innovation forum: Techritory, which brings together policymakers, entrepreneurs, and digital innovation experts to discuss the future of Europe’s digital transformation and sustainability.
At the forum, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM) organized a discussion “Digitalization & Sustainability: Driving Tomorrow’s Competitiveness”, emphasizing that digital solutions can be a key driver for companies’ sustainable growth and competitiveness if used responsibly and based on high-quality data. The discussion highlighted the importance of public-private sector collaboration to ensure that digital transformation benefits society as a whole. Additionally, Rinalds Celmiņš from VARAM emphasized the added value of the ESG assessment Tool and the upcoming international conference Think Digital. Act Sustainable on November 4, which will address both digitalization and sustainability topics.
Discussion participants:
- Artūrs Āķis, sustainability expert, Futurcene
- Māris Kuzmins, Board Member, AS “Latvijas valsts meži”
- Rinalds Celmiņš, Director of the Digital Policy Department, VARAM
In addition, VARAM also organized the seminar “From Obligation to Opportunity: How Sustainability Drives Competitive Advantage”, discussing how companies can turn sustainability requirements into competitive advantages using high-quality data and digital solutions. The ESG Tool was also presented, helping companies evaluate their operations’ impact on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects that need to be included in sustainability reporting, based on the double materiality assessment framework.
Seminar participants:
- Artūrs Āķis, sustainability expert, Futurcene
- Kadi Ilves, sustainability expert from Estonia
- Nora Šukīte, Corporate sustainability manager, AS “Latvijas valsts meži”
- Santa Bileskalne, project manager, VARAM
Latest information about the project:
SusTool (Sustainability reporting tool) project (2023-2025) 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.
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