Research - Latvia

Updated 05/2010

Legal requirements

The science sector in Latvia is governed by the Law On Scientific Activity and the Guidelines for the Development of Science and Technology 2009. - for 2013 and other legislation.

The Guidelines for the Development of Science and Technology 2009. - for 2013 [560 KB]
The Law On Scientific Activity

Research & Development bodies

There are several scientific institutions in Latvia:

11 state research institutes;
15 research institutes within universities;
six state universities;
15 higher-education establishments with their research units.

The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for formulating government policy in the area of higher education and science to promote the development of a knowledge-based society and economy in Latvia.

The Ministry of Education and Science

The Latvian Academy of Sciences supports the carrying out and promotion of research in the fundamental and applied sciences, provides qualified scientific expertise and participates in preparing and implementing state research and EU-Baltic regional programmes.

The Latvian Academy of Sciences

Alongside R&D, innovation is essential for businesses to develop and stay competitive.

New ideas — Latvia

Intellectual property must be protected to encourage research.

Intellectual property — Latvia

Resources

The Guidelines for the Development of Higher Education, Science and Technology summarise the main thrust of government policy in these areas.

Guidelines for the Development of Higher Education, Science and Technology

Programmes

The Latvian Council of Science is responsible for the development of proposals for state research and EU-Baltic regional programmes. Government research programmes conduct research in certain priority government areas. The Administration of Studies and Research administers government research programmes.