INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LIBRARIES IN LATVIA

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF LIBRARIES IN LATVIA VENTA KOCERE DIRECTOR OF LATVIAN ACADEMIC LIBRARY UNIDO-ICSTI INTERNATIONAL- SEMINAR “Scientific and Technological Innovation : National Experience and International Cooperation” 29 TH May 2007, Vienna

Latvia Number of citizens – 2, 4 mill. citizens Area – 64, 600 sq. km.

Knowledge is a Resource for the Development of Innovative Economy • The knowledge and shrewd applications is the only development resources of Latvia • The current knowledge resource must be increased and improved without delay • The development of innovative entrepreneurship continue to be spontaneous and the strategic support of the state • In order achieve long term development goals the EU strategy requires all member states to invest 3% of the GDP in development in 2010

SCIENCE DEVELOPMENT TREND IN LATVIA • The changes are reflected in EU Lisbon strategy, which identifies the leading made of science in the economic development which identifies the leading role of science in the economic development requiring that each EU member state increase significantly the development of science, technologies and innovations

INNOVATIONS - THE DEFINING FACTOR OF COMPETITIVENESS • There are four elements than can develop competitive and advantages, based on the difference between resources and skills: • effectiveness , • quality, • fulfillment of clients wishes, • innovations

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION • Programs such was COST , INTAS and EUREKA are also important to the international cooperation of European scientists. • Currently , the issue of structure and principles of operation of the 7 th Framework Program, with the European Commission having already outlined a main long-term goals, has become the topic of the toadying order

NATIONAL LIBSON PROGRAMME OF LATVIA FOR 2005 -2008 • . The developed National Lisbon Programme of Latvia for 2005 -2008 is a policy planning document, which shows how Latvia will promote growth and employment in the medium- term and how implement Integrated Guidelines approved by the Council in July 2005 To stimulate knowledge and innovation, the main tasks of the Programme in 2005 -2008 will be as follows: • Increase public investment and foster private in R&D; • Ensure renewal of intellectual potential in science, improving the system of doctoral grants and modernizing scientific infrastructure; • Promote transfer of knowledge an technologies in production ( including business incubators and technology parks); • Increase Internet availability and introduce electronic signature , as well as ensuring wider public services in the e-environment.

THE PROGRAM ALSO ENISAGES • • The development of a Latvian library portal Data base and digital resource development Training of library employees Training of the public in the use of computers and the internet Once completed, lightnet will guarantee that every inhabitant of Latvia has access to nearby library that is equipped with: • • • at least 5 computer work spaces Access to the integrated Latvian library information system Access to an electronic catalogue and other forms of digital information The ability to order and quickly receive books from any library in Latvia Access to the internet and international research data bases

INNOVATION • • • The national innovation system of Latvia is poorly at present and does not provide the innovation capacity required to increase the competitiveness of the state. Only 18. 6% of all enterprises on average are innovative, while in the EU countries the average indicator is 45%. The number of national patents is small (approximately 100 -150 patents are issued every year), and their importance, from the point of view of competitiveness in the world, is not high. At present, Latvia considerably lags behind the economically developed countries in the number of patents per 1000 people (this indicator in Latvia is 5 times lower than in Sweden and Finland). Latvian patents of alcoholic beverages, food products and perfumery, with small international importance, dominate among the patent applications of the private sector.

MAIN PLANNED MEASURES FOR 2005 -2008 IN FACILITATION OF INNOVATION • To improve innovation support structures and public support programmes • To support transfer of knowledge and technologies, encourage development of new products and technologies

INVESTMENT IN HUMAN CAPITAL Further priority tasks in improvement of the situation are: • Improve the ability of the education system to adapt to the changing requirements of the labour market, increase participant and responsibility of regional governments and employers in ensuring the availability of professional education; • Improve availability of education at all levels, reduce the number of students expelled from educational establishments; • Raise participation and responsibility of regional governments and employers in ensuring availability of professional education; • Develop life-long learning strategy and support starting the creation of such a system other regional level ; • Implement the project of new Latvian National Library and digital Library

INVESTMENT IN HUMAN CAPITAL Programme of market-oriented research projects has been worked out with the goal to promote co-operation of Latvian scientists and entrepreneurs (especially SME) in conducting the research necessary for development of new technologies and products. It is envisaged to finance the programme from state budget , and research priorities in the programme are as follows 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. In agro biotechnology – innovative environmentally-friendly technologies to acquire food products; In biomedicine and pharmacy- gene technologies and technologies for synthesis of new biologically active substances; In energy- environmentally-friendly types of renewable energy, safety of energy supply and efficient use of energy; In informatics- safe software, integrated information and communication systems and networks, electronics technologies ; In Latvian Studies – research regarding history, language and culture; In material science - nanotechnologies to acquire functional materials, new-generation composite materials; In forestry science – sustainability, new products and technologies; In medical science – development of clinic medicine based on technology of applied sciences In environmental science – the regional impact of climate change on water ecosystems and adaptation, sustainable management and protection of the environment of Baltic Sea and inland waters

INNOVATION STRATEGY FOR LATVIA • A new innovation strategy for Latvia is ready to swing into action • The stratgy and action Plan for 2005 -2010 was drawn up by the RIS Latvia project • RIS Latvia: The Latvian Innovation System – Strategy and Action Plan 2005 -2010 • http: //www. innovating-regions. org/download/Innovation strategy of Latvia. pdf • Contact: • Valdis Avotins, Latvian Investment and Development Agency • http: // www. liaa. gov. lv

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION Only few Latvian enterprises perform active innovative research, particularly SMEs, due to limited resources and use of standard customer order. Research institutions by their profile usually are not well adapted for efficient and productive collaboration with companies. Most Latvian enterprises require low scienceimpact assistance from outside.

LIBRARIES IN LATVIA : YEAR 2006 • • National Library of Latvian Academic Library 32 libraries of higher educational institutions 900 public libraries 53 special libraries 1 principal non-specialized library 1200 school libraries, colleges of professional education including

THE CASTLE OF LIGHT AND LIGHTNET The Latvian National Library Project is one of most ambitious and spectacular modern library projects in Europe, if not world. The project encompasses a new multifunctional information centre in Riga (The Castle of Light ) designed by international acclaimed architect Gunnar Birkerts. The state’s unified library information system is aptly called “Light net”. And it means just that – to provide a network of information that would reach every person, regardless of where they live, their age are social standing. Every district and regional library user will have free access to all the information resources that will be available in the new library building in Riga The Castle of Light is more than just national library and information system for Latvia. It is an innovative new approach to the way information is gathered, organized, stored and made available to the public. Join us in helping Latvia lead the way into information society of 21 st century!

LIGHTNET • 1000 universal information delivery points (public libraries) • Minimum 5 PC fitted work stations per library • The Internet • Modules and programming for data exchange and compatibility • Training of staff and users • Digitally and electronically born content creation (Union catalogue, bibliography, home pages etc. ) • E-governance and e-commerce • Services available • Costs – LVL 12, 7 mill.

THE DIGITAL LIBRARY • Since 2000 the National Library of Latvia has implemented several serious projects, thus forming a digital library, which ensures long-term preservation and wide accessibility to the unique Latvia culture heritage: national bibliography periodicals, maps, posters, ancient photographs and sound recordings.

THE DIGITAL LIBRARY • Poster in Latvia 1899 – 1945 and Poster in Latvia 1945 2000 • Latvia in the 16 th - 18 th Century Maps • Latvian History of Civilization in Images. Part : Portraits • Ancient Prints in Latvia, 1525 - 1855 • Revolution of 1905 -1907 in Latvia • Scores of Symphonic Music By Latvian Composers • Wax cylinders