Latvia becomes partner country of #SCCON24

Latvia is the official partner country of the Smart Country Convention 2024. From 15 to 17 October, the digital pioneer will present innovative solutions for the digitalisation of administrations, public companies, cities and municipalities at the Berlin Exhibition Centre.

President Edgars Rinkēvičs on the SCCON stage

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs will open the Smart Country Convention together with Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser on 15 October 2024. President Rinkēvičs emphasises Latvia's desire to share its experience in digital transformation:

"In recent years, Latvia has increased efficiency as well as transparency for its citizens through the digitalisation of public services. It is important that the European Union shares its knowledge about innovation among its member states and strengthens its competitiveness on a global level. The Baltic-German Digital Innovation Club initiative launched last year demonstrates this common goal of our policy makers and serves as a basis for further strengthening economic cooperation and knowledge exchange."

As part of the Partner Country Evening on 15 October, trade visitors can also look forward to a range of new solutions, best practices and networking opportunities from and with our partner country. The Latvian Minister of Economy Viktors Valainis will open the evening.

Pioneers in digitalisation and data security

Latvia and the Baltic States have established themselves as leading regions in the areas of digitalisation and data security and stand for a highly networked society. In Latvia, 84% of internet users utilise eGovernment services and digital IDs to handle over 91% of public services online. This enables citizens to carry out almost all administrative procedures from the comfort of their own home.

Latvia is also the leader in mobile data usage among OECD countries and is one of the leading EU countries in terms of household high-speed internet coverage.

The country ranks fifth in the world in the National Cyber Security Index, reflecting the comprehensive measures taken to protect the digital infrastructure and defend against cyber threats.

A key element of Latvia's digital transformation is its comprehensive e-government system, which offers citizens access to a wide range of online services such as tax returns, health records and business registrations. The "Latvija.lv"portal serves as a central point of contact for these digital services.

Since 2020, Latvia has been the only EU country in which the entire administrative process in the construction sector has been fully digitalised, meaning that new construction projects are submitted exclusively in digital form. Latvia is also the only EU country that enables digital tracking of demolition and construction waste, which ensures efficient and environmentally friendly disposal.