Description
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacity of Latvian municipalities and planning regions and to support them in the promotion of entrepreneurship-related issues. Main activities of the project: 1. Developing a regional entrepreneurship and innovation system. 2. Increasing the role of local governments in the promotion of entrepreneurship. 3. Developing support measures for remote and underdeveloped areas in order to improve their ability to attract qualified workforce and entrepreneurs. 4. Publicity. The following results will be produced: the upgrading of one planning document at the national level; the organisation of four experience and knowledge exchange events between Latvia and Norway institutions; the creation of six strategic partnerships between Latvian and Norwegian institutions. The project is expected to improve the capacity and the service quality of local and regional authorities, and in order to achieve these goals there are three Norwegian partners attached to the project who will share their experience and provide examples of good practice relating to regional policy issues.
Summary of project results
Project aim was to strengthen capacity of Latvian municipalities and planning regions and support them in dealing with entrepreneurship promotion issues. Target groups were municipalities, planning regions, state institutions, non-governmental organizations, which represent entrepreneurs, prospective investors, entrepreneurs, higher education institutions, and individuals. During the Activity 1 „Development of regional entrepreneurship and innovation system”: Latgale Planning Region organized the 3 Norwegian expert experience exchange trips to Latgale; organized 12 seminars on the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation; ensured 4 visits of local governments and non-governmental organizations to neighboring countries; ensured participation in the 4 investment forums; developed investment catalogue for Latgale planning region and website
www.invest.latgale.lv; established representation of Latgale region in Riga; organized 5 regional competitions for innovative business ideas; organized “Latgale days” in Riga to popularize Representation of Latgale planning region in Riga; developed a promotional movie; organized 2 events in Representation of Latgale region in Riga. During the Activity 2 „Increasing the role of local governments in promoting entrepreneurship”: ensured 2 exchange of experience visits between Latvian and Norwegian institutions; implemented “Knowledge Angels” program for local governments; developed 30 local government marketing materials in English; developed 32 local government investment attraction materials; Supported participation for 9 local governments in international exhibitions; developed website
www.invest.vidzeme.lv. During the Activity 3 „The development of support measures for remote and underdeveloped areas for attracting qualified workforce and entrepreneurs”: ensured 1 exchange of experience event with Norwegian partners in Norway; organized 4 discussions about development of support measures for remote and underdeveloped areas; elaborated a study which looks at Norwegian good practice in developing support measures for remote and underdeveloped areas. During the Project following results were achieved: developed and improved 1 planning document of local, regional and national level (Educational development guidelines 2014. – 2020.); held 6 (was planned 4) experience and knowledge exchange visits and seminars between Latvian and Norwegian authorities; established 6 strategic partnerships between the Latvian and Norwegian authorities.
Summary of bilateral results
During the Project were organized 6 experience and knowledge exchange visits between Latvian and Norwegian authorities. Established 6 strategic partnerships between the Latvian and Norwegian authorities. Ministry of Local Governments and Regional Development of Norway provided investment in achievement of project objectives and outcomes by sharing its experience and providing information about examples of good practice in dealing with regional policy issues, including various support measures for remote and sparsely populated territories, as well as for territories with underdeveloped industrial base. Within the project Oppland County was the base of the Norwegian project coordinator. Also from Oppland County will participate experts, who will engage in implementation of certain activities. Parties have signed a cooperation agreements of intent which lays down that parties are interested in possible future co-operation: experience exchange, sharing good practice and ideas, information exchange, possible partnership in new Project implementation.