Commission Report (2002): Latvia

Subsections

• Progress since the last Regular Report
• Overall assessment
• Conclusions

---

Chapter 17: Science and research

Progress since the last Regular Report

Further progress has been made in this area since the last Regular Report.

In November 2001, Latvia adopted Priority Directions of Science for Financing of Fundamental and Applied Research for the Period 2002 to 2005, which cover information technologies, organic synthesis and biooemedicine, material sciences, forestry science and wood technologies.

The state budget for science and research has slightly increased. In 2001, Latvia allocated an extra amount for the promotion of more research-oriented projects.

Latvia continued to be associated with the Fifth EC Framework Programme and with the Fifth Euratom Framework Programme. Latvia expressed interest in being associated with the Sixth Framework Programme (2002--2006). The Latvian National Contact Point office for the Fifth Framework Programme has been active in informing and supporting scientists during the application process.

Overall assessment

The framework for co-operation in the field of science and technology (including National Contact Point network) is well established. However, Latvia's research-related administrative capacity needs to be further developed.

Latvia`s gross domestic expenditure on research and development as a percentage of GDP remains very low and still needs to be increased significantly in order to come closer to the EU average. Financial constraints limit Latvia`s possibilities to participate effectively in the European Research Area. Promoting science and research in Latvia will, in particular, require a further increase in business expenditure on research and development (BERD), i.e. spending on science and research activities by industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and the private business sector in general. Furthermore, research activities in universities should be fostered and proper risk capital legislation must be introduced. Under these circumstances, it has been noted that the number of scientists is slowly decreasing, while the number of young researchers working abroad has increased.

The National Innovation Concept aiming at promoting the link between research and industry is not adopted yet. Once adopted, it should be also reflected in the establishment of the national development policies. The links between research, SMEs and industry have to be further developed in order to create more dynamic and fruitful interaction.

Conclusions

In its 1997 Opinion, the Commission concluded that, in the perspective of accession, no major problems were expected in this field. Accession would be of mutual benefit.

Since the Opinion, Latvia has established the institutional and financial framework for its participation in the Fifth Framework Programme.

Negotiations in this chapter have been provisionally closed. Latvia has not requested any transitional arrangements in this area. Latvia is generally meeting the commitments it has made in the accession negotiations in this field.

In order to complete preparations for membership, Latvia`s efforts need to focus on reinforcing the science- and research-related infrastructure, promoting effective links between research and the private sector and finally increasing significantly its gross domestic expenditure on research and development. These are vital issues for a successful association with the relevant Communities` Framework Programmes.

© European Commission