Analytical Description of the Ecosystem of Smart

Specialization Area “Smart Energetics”

30 November 2015 Member of the Board of “Fidea” SIA

Gundars Kuļikovskis

2015

Table of Contents1 Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions......................................................................3

1.1 Aim of the Smart Specialization Strategy..............................................................................3

1.2 Smart Specialization Strategy................................................................................................3

1.3 Definition of the Field of Ecosystem.....................................................................................3

1.4 Methodology..........................................................................................................................3

2 Regulatory Framework of the Smart Energetics Area....................................................................3

3 Description of the Key Participants of the Area.............................................................................5

3.1 Key Participants.....................................................................................................................5

3.2 Mutual Relations of the Participants Involved.....................................................................11

3.3 Graphical Representation of Participants of the Ecosystem.................................................12

4 Human Capital Available in the Area of Smart Specialization....................................................12

5 Scientific Capacity and Cooperation Networks in the Smart Specialization Area.......................13

5.1 Results of the International Assessment of Scientific Institutions Working in the Area......15

6 Industry’s Competitiveness in the Smart Specialization Area......................................................16

6.1 Sector Turnover in Accordance with the NACE Codes.......................................................16

6.2 Sectoral Export Performance...............................................................................................16

6.3 Sectoral Investments in R&D..............................................................................................16

6.4 Number of Innovative Enterprises in the Particular Area.....................................................16

7 Goals, Needs, Objectives and Comparative Results of the Smart Specialization Area................17

7.1 Industry and Applied Research............................................................................................17

7.2 Ability to Conduct Research of Common Interest...............................................................18

7.3 Fundamental Research and Excellence................................................................................19

7.4 Goals of the Smart Specialization Area by 2020..................................................................21

7.5 Smart Specialization Niches................................................................................................21

8 Discussions..................................................................................................................................23

9 Reference Sources:......................................................................................................................24

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1 Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions 1.1 Aim of the Smart Specialization Strategy Smart Specialization Strategy is aimed at the transformation of the national economy in order to build economic knowledge capacity by investing in research, innovation and events for their promotion. For building of economic knowledge capacity and efficient use of innovations, other conditions are also of importance. Other national development strategies and measures related to the Smart Specialization Strategy are prescribed for their implementation.

1.2 Smart Specialization StrategyTo focus limited resources for ensuring an increase in innovation capacity in the areas of knowledge, where the economy has the highest growth potential. Latvian Smart Specialization Strategy is a strategy for the transformation of the economy. It provides for building of the economic knowledge capacity, which leads to higher and sustainable productivity.

1.3 Definition of the Field of EcosystemThe smart specialization area includes all representatives of the industry, science and education, who create knowledge within the scope of the smart specialization area, to whom this knowledge is crucial for their ability to earn, as well as those who provide education based on this knowledge. Ecosystem is formed by the participants of the area, their relationships and transactions among them.

In this context, knowledge can be encoded, i.e. in the form of documents, it may be included in the technology or it may be uncoded, tacit knowledge, transferred in direct contact and through a discussion between the knowledge carriers or consumers.

Conditions directly influencing the participant, the market, financing, scale of the field of knowledge, the state aid instruments and the regulatory framework are also addressed in the context of the ecosystem.

1.4 MethodologyConsidering that the ecosystem is very extensive, only the part of the ecosystem, which is directly linked to knowledge and can be influenced via public intervention through research, development, innovation investment or support, is viewed and analysed in the context of smart specialization.

2 Regulatory Framework of the Smart Energetics AreaThe European Union’s main goal of the energy sector is to transform the energy system of Europe, creating a single European energy system, which provides the users – EU citizens and enterprises – with safe and climate-friendly energy at affordable prices. To achieve this goal, the EC has come up with a plan for establishing the European Energy Union COM (2015) 80 final. Its basic principles – energy security, diversification of supply, electric grid connection and creation of a single energy market in Europe. While shaping Europe’s future energy system, a variety of problems and challenges arise, both in the technological and social areas, that have to be addressed in order to achieve the goal – a globally competitive European energy sector. Research and innovation play an important role in increasing competitiveness, and it is impossible to create a single European power grid without

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involving them. The integrated Strategic Energy Technology Plan has been developed and it specifies the main activities focused on research and innovation to be carried out for creation of a single European power grid (document “Towards an Integrated Roadmap: Research Innovation Challenges and Needs of the EU Energy System”).

There are important tasks for transformation of the European energy system in each of the four European Energy Union priority areas:

1) consumer involvement in transformation of the European energy system (smart grids: development of demand-supply systems, smart buildings, homes, appliances and home automation systems, energy storage, smart management of energy consumers that allows to modulate consumption according to the renewable energy source (solar and wind) production changes);

2) development of a sustainable transport system (sustainable energy for transport, electrical mobility, new technology, acceleration of their introduction);

3) increasing energy efficiency (higher energy efficiency in production, reaching lower energy capacity of final products, increasing energy efficiency in heating and cooling systems and energy efficiency of buildings);

4) The EU must become a world leader, developing next-generation renewable energy technologies (wind energy, PV, geothermal, bio-energy and other types of energy, generated from low-carbon energy sources, their balancing in the electrical networks) [15].

It should be taken into account that nuclear power is essential to limiting greenhouse gases, the biggest disadvantage of which is the relatively high environmental risks of nuclear technologies in case of disasters, as well as complex waste storage and processing. Nuclear power is characterized by extremely low direct costs of production in relation to capital costs. The set of technologies that would allow solving the problems related to the use of nuclear energy have a high value and potential of use, since they would enable longer use of the capital investments already made.

The European Commission (EC) has defined the European Union (EU) objectives in the energy sector by 2020 (20% less greenhouse gas emissions, at least 20% of the EU’s energy resources – renewable energy sources, a 20% reduction of primary energy consumption in the EU, COM (2008)30). To achieve these EU objectives, the Member States have to increase the share of renewable energy resources in electricity generation. At the same time, it should be taken into account that Latvia already has one of the highest shares of renewables in the European Union thanks to the Daugava HPP cascade.

The main Latvian legislation regulating the energy sector:– Energy Law,– Electricity Market Law,– Subsidised Electricity Tax Law,– Law On Regulators of Public Utilities,– Energy End-use Efficiency Law,– Law On the Energy Performance of Buildings,– several Cabinet Regulations specifying particular activities in the above-

mentioned laws, as well as policy planning documents (strategies, sector development guidelines).

In Latvia, the price of electricity for consumers is significantly raised by the mandatory procurement component (as of 1 April 2014 – 0.02679 EUR/kWh). Mandatory procurement

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of electricity is a support mechanism established by the government for producers of electricity, providing for its financing from electricity end-user payments. The Electricity Market Law prescribes that the producers who produce electricity in an efficient cogeneration or use renewable energy resources for production of electricity can acquire the right to sell electricity produced within the framework of the mandatory procurement. The public trader procures electricity at a fixed price from the manufacturers within the framework of the mandatory procurement. The Ministry of Economics confers the right to sell electricity produced within the framework of the mandatory procurement, but the conditions for the procedure of production of electricity and price setting is governed by the Cabinet Regulations. Such a national support mechanism causes the total electricity price to increase and thus creates an additional financial burden on users, reducing the competitiveness of the business sector.

3 Description of the Key Participants of the AreaThe key players of the business sector were identified and included in the ecosystem of the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”, taking into account their impact on the industry’s labour market and investment in the implementation of new technologies and solutions.

It should be taken into account that smart energetics is an interdisciplinary, task-oriented area where technology and knowledge are subordinate to the set task – to reduce the impact of energy use on the environment, while having a minimal impact on the real sector of the economy. Measures include cleaner production, a more economical consumption and less waste. The range of technology and knowledge to be used for solving this task includes a variety of science and engineering classes. In addition, knowledge of the field of social sciences may be necessary for consumption forecasting and consumption management.

When analysing the higher education and the public sector, belonging to the ecosystem of the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” was determined by the contribution of the particular higher education institution or research institution to the preparation of highly qualified professionals and previous activities in research and development, scientific research conducted, projects, cooperation with entrepreneurs in the sector.

3.1 Key Participants

Business Sector

First of all, energy production and transmission companies should be considered. According to the data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB), 483 companies of various types were operating in the electricity, gas supply, heat supply and air-conditioning sector in Latvia in 2013. However, not all of them can be considered the participants of the ecosystem of the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”. Key participants of the ecosystem of the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” in the business sector are large enterprises (Table 1) and many small and medium-sized enterprises – it is very difficult to list them in the conditions of the changing business environment.

Table 1. Large enterprises – participants of the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”

No. Title1. “LATVENERGO” AS and its subsidiary “Sadales tīkls” AS2. “Latvijas Gāze” AS

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3. “RĪGAS SILTUMS” AS4. “Fortum Latvia” SIA

The most significant enterprises of the field, affecting the labour market in Latvia, are the large power supply companies “LATVENERGO” AS, “Latvijas Gāze” AS, “RĪGAS SILTUMS” AS.

“LATVENERGO” AS (government owns 100% of the company) is a power supply enterprise owned by the government of Latvia. The company is engaged in electricity and heat production and trade, as well as provision of telecommunications and information technology services. “Latvenergo” AS Group consists of five subsidiaries of “Latvenergo” AS – “Sadales tīkls” AS, “Latvijas elektriskie tīkli” AS, “Latvenergo Kaubandus” OÜ (Estonia), “Latvenergo Prekyba” UAB (Lithuania), and “Liepājas enerģija” SIA.

Operations of the “LATVENERGO” AS Group are organised in three segments of activities: production and sales, distribution and management of transmission assets.

Production and sales segment includes the production of electricity and heat, ensured by “Latvenergo” AS and “Liepājas enerģija” SIA, as well as electricity sales (including electricity wholesale) in the Baltics, ensured by “Latvenergo” AS, Elektrum Eesti OÜ and Elektrum Lietuva UAB.

Distribution segment provides electricity distribution service in Latvia (covering about 99% of the territory of Latvia), implemented by “Sadales tīkls” AS, which is the largest distribution system operator in Latvia (number of clients – about 900 thousand). Distribution service tariffs are approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). For more information, please visit the website of “Sadales tīkls” AS: http://www.sadalestikls.lv.

Operations of the sector of management of transmission assets are ensured by “Latvijas elektriskie tīkli” AS – the owner of transmission system assets (330 kV and 110 kV electrotransmission lines, substations and distribution points) that manages the assets and leases them to the transmission system operator “Augstsprieguma tīkls” AS. Lease payment for the transmission assets is calculated according to the methodology approved by the PUC. For more information, please visit the website of “Latvijas elektriskie tīkli” AS: http://www.let.lv.

The most important participant of the “LATVENERGO” AS Group in smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” is “Augstsprieguma tīkls” AS. Introduction of new technologies and innovative solutions has become a necessity in its everyday operations.

“Latvijas Gāze” AS is the only natural gas transmission, storage, distribution and sales operator in Latvia. The company ensures natural gas supply to 443,000 customers in Latvia and natural gas transmission and storage for the needs of clients of the neighbouring countries – Estonia, Russia and Lithuania. When upgrading the gas supply system and implementing measures for improving the security of natural gas supply, the company uses the latest technologies, which are based on scientific achievements.

“RĪGAS SILTUMS” AS is the main heat supplier in Riga. It carries out heat production, transmission and sales, as well as ensures maintenance of internal heating systems of the buildings of heat energy users. The share capital of “RĪGAS SILTUMS” AS is divided as follows: Riga City Council (49.00%), government of Latvia (48.995%), “Enerģijas risinājumi. RIX” AS (2%), “LATVENERGO” AS (0.005%). “RĪGAS SILTUMS” AS owns 50% of the shares of “Rīgas BioEnerģija” SIA. The company’s operations are unimaginable without using the latest engineering solutions to ensure district heating.

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Small and medium-sized enterprises – energy producers – also have an important role in the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”. As at 1 January 2015, there were 32 natural gas cogeneration plants, 40 biomass, biogas plants and 20 wind power plants with a capacity greater than one megawatt in the electric power system of Latvia. In 2014, the number of biomass and biogas power plants with the installed capacity of more than 1 MW grew rapidly in Latvia (there were 30 power plants in 1 January 2014, whereas in 1 January 2015 – 40 power plants). Installation of such bioenergy plants in each specific case requires innovative engineering solutions, and engineers and researchers of the particular sector, who are familiar with new technologies, are involved. Equipment to be installed often is a new technology being put into practice, which requires additional research and solutions. There are several companies operating in Latvia that specialize in manufacturing and assembly of power generation equipment that uses various types of biomass. For example, one of the largest companies in Tukums, “Comfort” AS, has been providing its clients with sustainable energy solutions by implementing projects on the use of biomass for energy production for more than twenty years. “Grandeg” SIA is the leader in pellet boiler design and development in Latvia, offering a wide range of central heating boilers and accessories, suitable for a variety of heating system needs.

Companies that design different types of energy systems have an important role in drafting new development projects and improving the existing ones. Often those are companies with a wide range of activities, both designing different types of power plants and working on issues related to the building construction, industrial building and structure architecture and engineering solutions as well as environmental protection. “Siltumelektroprojekts” AS is such a company – one of the largest not only in Latvia, but also in the Baltics, with a lot of experience in designing of condensing power plants and thermal power plants – cogeneration power plants, boiler houses and different experimental stations as well as other structures.

Taking into account the climate conditions, heat supply is an important component of the quality of life for Latvian citizens. According to the data of the Ministry of Economics, 638 boiler houses and 166 cogeneration plants produced heat for sale for the needs of district heating in Latvia in 2013. Installation of new cogeneration plants, increasing the efficiency of heat supply by increasing the efficiency of both energy production and transmission is closely related to the using research results in practice.

The third largest energy company in the Nordic countries, Finnish company “Fortum”, has also declared itself a key player in the heating sector of Latvia, establishing two companies of the “Fortum” Group in Latvia – “Fortum Jelgava” SIA and “Fortum Latvia” SIA. “Fortum Jelgava” SIA is the district heating system operator in Jelgava city, providing district heat supply to clients and related services. The activities of “Fortum Latvia” SIA are related to generation of electricity and heat in cogeneration plants as well as development of new projects.

The area of “Smart Energetics” also includes a number of companies and research organizations, whose basic technologies are related to electronics, electrical engineering and IT systems to be used for changing the solution formation and consumption management and modulation. Even though such companies as Hanzas Elektronika, SAF Tehnika and other representatives of the ICT and electronics industry do not affiliate themselves with Smart Energetics, the expertise of such companies may be significant for the smart energy sector.

Smart energy industry of Latvia includes companies working on energy solutions for the international market, such as Baltic Scientific Instruments etc.

Higher education and public sector

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The key participants of the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” in research and development of higher education and public sector are Riga Technical University (RTU), National scientific institution Institute of Physical Energetics (IPE), Latvia University of Agriculture (LUA), University of Latvia (UL), Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia (ISSP), and Rezekne Higher Education Institution (RHEI) (Table 2).

Table 2. Higher education and public sector institutions – participants of the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”

No. Title1. Riga Technical University2. National scientific institution Institute of Physical Energetics3. Latvia University of Agriculture 4. University of Latvia5. Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia6. Rezekne Higher Education Institution

Energy and electrical engineering studies offered by the Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering (FPEE) of RTU cover energy production, production technologies, energy transmission and distribution, as well as rational use of energy and environmental management. The faculty prepares power engineers and environmental engineers — there is a high demand for these professionals in the business sector. Research in the Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering is organised in three separate departments: Institute of Power Engineering, Institute of Industrial Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and Institute of Energy Systems and Environment.

RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering (FCE) trains thermal, gas and water technology engineers, whose specialty is closely related to the field of energy. Engineering systems of buildings (heating, cooling, air conditioning, ventilation, gas supply, cold and hot water supply, sewerage and firefighting equipment and systems) as well as the infrastructure elements of populated areas (heating, cooling, gas, water supply and sewerage) are the areas of specialization of scientific research of the future engineers and staff of this faculty.

RTU Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics (FMETA) fits in the ecosystem of the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” with its heat-power engineering and heat engineering study programmes that train engineers of corresponding specialities, and with scientific research in these directions. Considering that development of sustainable transport systems is one of the European Energy Union priority areas, transport systems, railway electrical systems and motor transport engineers trained in this faculty are becoming increasingly important participants of the smart energy ecosystem.

RTU Faculty of Material Science and Applied Chemistry (FMSAC) engages in the ecosystem of the “Smart Energetics” area with the research conducted in the Institute of Applied Chemistry on the optimization of biodiesel synthesis process, in the field of 2nd generation biofuel synthesis technologies and biomass pyrolysis, as well as preparation of corresponding specialists.

National scientific institution Institute of Physical Energetics (IPE) is one of the leading energy research institutes in Latvia. IPE research directions integrate all stages of the energy system – from research of energy resources, energy generation, solving problems related to electricity transmission and distribution to the active energy consumer. IPE studies technologies and ways to use renewable energy, designs, develops and improves energy-

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efficient methods and techniques of using energy, studies new materials with potential applications in the energy industry. The Institute conducts research on modelling complex development scenarios of the energy supply system, impact assessment of the long-term implementation (by 2030) of Latvian Climate and Energy Policy, environmental impact assessment of the economic sectors with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Faculty of Engineering of the Latvia University of Agriculture falls within the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” by training engineers in the agricultural energy sector and carrying out research activities on renewable energy technologies, development of energy-saving technologies, heat supply and heating process modelling. The direction of environmental engineering of the LUA Faculty of Rural Engineering is also closely related to smart energetics. Many graduates of this study course work in companies of the energy industry.

University of Latvia is represented in the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” by the Laboratory for Mathematical Modelling of Environmental and Technological Processes of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics (FPM). By studying scientific problems related to the energy efficiency of building structures, wind energy modelling and optimization and management of various electrical process, the researchers of the said laboratory make an important contribution to the creation of new knowledge.

Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia (ISSP) can also be considered a participant of the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” due to its research, which has been carried out for several years studying the obtaining and storage of hydrogen, energy release methods and developing prototypes for applications in the economy.

Environmental engineers are trained in the study course “Mechanics and Metalworking, Heat Power, Heat Engineering and Mechanical Engineering” of Rezekne Higher Education Institution. Their acquired knowledge opens up job opportunities in companies of the energy industry.

Associations of the industry

Several industry associations have been established for coordination and development of cooperation among companies and research institutions of the energy industry. They are essential participants of the energy policy processes, dealing with the exchange of knowledge and experience of the professionals of the particular field in order to represent the interests of members within the industry and national policy-making better. There are a lot of associations and societies operating in the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”, and the main ones are listed in the table (Table 3).

Table 3. Associations of the energy industry

No. Title Characterization1. Latvian Association

of Power Engineers and Energy Constructors (LAPEEC)

Association of industry companies uniting legal and natural persons who deal with problems related to security of power system supply, power system perspective development problems, vocational education problems in preparing bachelors, engineers and masters for the design, operation and management of the power system, production of various electrical equipment and facilities, electrical assembly, reconstruction and repairs, design (power supply, automatics,

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industrial electronics, software), sales of electrical equipment and electric appliances, consulting and provision of other services

2. Latvian Association of Heating Companies (LAHC)

Association of industry companies uniting the enterprises, institutions and professionals working in the field of district heating and cooling and related industries for common goals, objectives and measures to improve the heating and cooling and develop cogeneration

3. Society “National Energy Confederation” (NEC)

Public organisation uniting the energy producers, transporters and consumers of Latvia. Objectives – to take initiative of establishing new scientific directions and related scientific institutions in the field of energy, to promote integration of the energy industry of Latvia in the energy environments of the Baltic States and European countries, to create a stable and secure energy sector in the country, to support investments that ensure safety and efficiency of the energy sector, and use of domestic and foreign resources, to promote introduction of energy-efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly technologies

4. Latvian biomass association (LATbio)

It brings together companies operating in the field of biomass – production of pellets, heat generation, cogeneration, production of wood chips, wood and all kinds of industry-related equipment. The association’s main objectives are to promote use of biofuels, including wood, in the energy industry, to promote production of biofuel, to represent and lobby biofuel producers

5. Latvian Energy Efficiency Association (LATEA)

Brings together companies operating in the energy business. Objectives – to promote observance of rights and legal interests of the members of the association, to become a major social partner of national and local institutions in the matters related to energy efficiency and renewable energy resources, to develop recommendations for draft laws and regulations, to take part in the examination and improvement thereof; to involve the public in making the topic of energy efficiency topical and to raise public awareness of energy efficiency issues, to cooperate with foreign countries, their representative bodies, business and non-governmental organizations

6. Latvian Renewable Energy Federation (LREF)

A union of several associations in the field of renewable energy. Objectives – to align and coordinate actions of renewable energy NGOs, to represent them in relations with state and local government institutions, to facilitate development of the renewable energy industry

Many industry associations are characterized by the fact that they cooperate actively with institutions of higher education and research institutions, address the current problems of the industry together, engage in research projects.

External Participants of the Ecosystem

Electricity exchange Nord Pool Spot (Latvia is a participant of the electricity exchange, and electricity prices in Latvia are set in the exchange), “Gazprom” AAS (“Latvijas Gāze” AS

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has entered into long-term agreements on supply of natural gas to Latvia until 2030) and the LNG terminal in Lithuania (ensures an alternative to the supply of natural gas to Latvia) can be considered the external participants of the Latvian ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” from geographical point of view. The EC can also be considered an external participant of the Latvian ecosystem, since its political settings and decisions taken with regard to energy and climate change influence the developments within the ecosystem.

Innovative companies and research institutions operating in the smart specialization area “Knowledge-Intensive Bio-Economics” (use of wood and other plant and animal products for energy production), “Smart Materials, Technologies and Engineering Systems” (new materials and technologies for building energy-efficiency and facilities for generating energy from renewable energy resources), “Information and Communication Technologies” (innovative solutions for ICT hardware and software used in the energy industry) can be considered to be the external participants of the Latvian ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” from sectoral point of view. Also, individual companies and research institutions operating in the smart specialization area “Biomedicine, Medical Technologies, Biopharmacy and Biotechnologies” on development of new biotechnologies can be considered to be external participants. Therefore, it has to be concluded that extension of the operations of ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”, from the sectoral point of view, is horizontal, it permeates all research and economic sectors.

3.2 Mutual Relations of the Participants Involved

Participants of the ecosystem – employees of the institutions of higher education and public research institutes are mainly working at the level of creation of knowledge and new technologies and experimental tests, performing analytical and laboratory studies to confirm forecasts related to technology components, as well as performing technology validation in a laboratory environment (technology readiness levels TRL 1-4). Research in the business sector is aimed at introduction of products, technologies or services in the market – demonstration of system prototypes in real operational environment, tests on whether the technology works in its final form and the planned conditions (technology readiness levels TRL 7-9). Knowledge created in the field of research and development is not always used in the business sector due to both its content (too theoretical, does not meet the needs of the business sector) and the costs necessary to bring the new product or technology to the market successfully. When attracting funding for applied research, where knowledge created by scientists is introduced in the market, Latvian entrepreneurs receive substantial support for improvement of their competitiveness. Such projects involving cooperation of the ecosystem participants – employees of higher education institutions and public research institutes and entrepreneurs should be encouraged, because they promote creation of a closer link between the ecosystem participants, creating economic environment that facilitates economic activity and development of human resources in Latvia, which, in turn, corresponds to the strategic documents developed.

Ecosystem of the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” is small in Latvia. Cooperation among the major participants of the area is satisfactory, but there is great (for the time being only partially implemented) potential for cooperation between researchers of higher education institutions and public research institutes on the one hand and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises on the other hand.

The previous cooperation among the participants of the ecosystem is largely related to the fact that the business sector is the employer of professionals prepared by the higher education

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sector. Consequently, entrepreneurs are interested in cooperating with higher education institutions to get highly qualified new professionals when recruiting new employees. Closer cooperation of the ecosystem participants would need support mechanisms to encourage involvement of the business sector representatives in the study process and participation of researchers in practical studies necessary for business development.

3.3 Graphical Representation of Participants of the Ecosystem

4 Human Capital Available in the Area of Smart SpecializationNumber of StudentsWhen summarising data on the number of students in the field of smart energetics, the following results were obtained:

CSB data, calculation of “Fidea” SIA

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Number of Scientific StaffThe table below sums up institutions, companies and organizations, where research work is carried out

  2012 2013 2014Number of scientific

institutions

Scientific staff

Number of scientific

institutions

Scientific staff

Number of scientific

institutions

Scientific staff

Higher education sector 62 2607 61 2348 60 2291Public sector 19 703 19 707 19 681Business sector 343 594 342 570 411 776

Total: 424 3904 422 3625 490 3748* Source: Central Statistical Bureau

As the table shows, the number of companies carrying out research work is growing every year, which points at positive trends in the achievement of the RIS3 overarching objective (investments in R&D&I amounting to 1.5% of GDP in 2020).

Number of Employed People in Accordance with the NACE Codes over the Last Five YearsWhen summarizing data in the field of smart energetics in accordance with the NACE codes over the last five years, the following results were obtained:

Field/year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Smart energetics 42,339 41,451 42,860 45,886 47,386

CSB data, calculation of “Fidea” SIA

5 Scientific Capacity and Cooperation Networks in the Smart Specialization Area

When assessing the scientific capacity of the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”, insufficient number of people employed in the R&D sector should be noted, especially in science, as well as ageing of the staff and lack of its renewal. Factors such as long-term lack of funding for the R&D, small-scale project financing instruments (LCS grants, cooperation projects), a small share of private sector investment in research, have contributed to specialists leaving scientific institutions and institutions of higher education. Once in the business sector, in very rare cases, these specialists continue to work in research, because business has other aims and objectives than science. Scientific capacity building is one of the most important preconditions for successful development of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”.

In smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”, cooperation networks in Latvia brings together companies and scientific institutions of the energy sector to cooperate in carrying out applied research, implementing new product and technology development projects, facilitate establishment and use of a common scientific infrastructure. The most important elements of cooperation networks of the ecosystem are National Research Programmes (NRP) and National Research Centres (NRC). Cooperation of participants of the ecosystem within the framework of the Competence Centres (CC) is also gaining increasing importance. Cooperation within the framework of the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” is also carried out by participants of the ecosystem implementing projects of the EU research and innovation support programme “Horizon 2020” together.

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NRP is a public procurement for scientific research in a specific economic, educational, cultural or any other sector of national priority in order to promote development of the sector.

NRP in Latvia in the field of energetics:

1) “Research and Development of Modern Methods and Technologies in the Field of Energetics: Types of Environmentally Friendly Renewable Energy, Security of Energy Supply and Efficient Use of Energy” (2006–2009),

2) “Innovative Technologies for Extraction and Use of Energy Resources and Ensuring Low-Carbon Emissions with Renewable Energy Resources, Support Measures for Limiting Environmental and Climate Degradation” (2010 – April 2014),

3) “Energy-Efficient and Low-Carbon Solutions for a Secure, Sustainable and Climate Variability-Reducing Energy Supply” (November 2014 – December 2017).

Latvian scientific institutions involved in the NRP: RTU FPEE, RTU FMSAC, RTU FCE, IPE, UL ISSP, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences (FGES) of the University of Latvia, LUA.

The list of companies and association involved in the NRP is pretty long [32], but the main partners should be mentioned – “LATVENERGO” AS, “Sadales tīkls” AS, “RĪGAS SILTUMS” AS, “Fortum Latvia” SIA, “Siltumelektroprojekts” AS, “Bio-Venta” SIA , “Grandeg” SIA, Latvian Hydrogen Association, “Rīgas enerģētikas aģentūra” (Riga Energetics Agency), Municipal SIA “Rīgas satiksme”, “Baltic Scientific Instruments” SIA.

NRC is a form of cooperation of research institutions for concentrating scientific resources on European-level research in the priority direction of science, promoting development of priority sectors of Latvian economy and the society, within the framework of which close cooperation is ensured between the scientific institutions involved in the NRC on the use of infrastructure available for the priority direction of science, providing for concentration of resources and investments, including establishment of a common infrastructure for the needs of the NRC and consolidation of scientific institutions. The most important medium-term goal of NRC is to build NRC cooperation networks at national and international level, actively integrating into the EU’s science world, engaging in the ESFRI (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructure) and other scientific consortia, networks and projects.

Participants of the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” are operating within the framework of the NRC of Energy and Environmental Resource Extraction and Sustainable Use Technologies. RTU is the leading scientific institution in the NRC, participants – IPE, UL, UL Institute of Biology.

Part of the participants of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” are engaged in the Environment, Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Competence Centre and the newly established “Viedo inženiersistēmu, transporta un enerģētikas Kompetences centrs” SIA (Smart Engineering System, Transport and Energetics Competence Centre). However, the topics of research conducted in this CC do not cover the entire ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”, so when planning future CC development, a CC should be developed, where research topics include also such essential priorities of the field

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as energy efficiency, smart grid development, development of new technologies for a sustainable transport system, electromobility and development of energy efficiency technologies.

5.1 Results of the International Assessment of Scientific Institutions Working in the Area

Experts recognized nine research units as the main ones in the field of energetics. These institutions were included in the independent international assessment of 2014 carried out by “Technopolis Group”. International assessors have conducted a large-scale evaluation of Latvian research, development and innovation system as a whole, and about 150 individual scientific institutes. Five aspects that are more extensive were set as the assessment criteria, namely, the quality of research, the influence of the institute’s research on the industry, economic and social impact, research environment and infrastructure as well as development potential. Each criterion was assessed with 1-5 points (5 points being the best result). Conclusions were made and recommendations for further action were given after the overall average assessment. Assessment for nine previously mentioned institutions in the field of energetics is the following:

4 points (very good, the institution is a powerful international player) – 1 institution;o Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia (UL ISSP);

3 points (good, the institution is a strong national player with international recognition) – 3 institutions;

o RTU Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering;o RTU Faculty of Material Science and Applied Chemistry;o RTU Faculty of Physics and Mathematics;

2 points (satisfactory, the institution is a satisfactory national player) – 5 institutions;o RTU Faculty of Civil Engineering;o RTU Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Transport and Aeronautics;o National scientific institution Institute of Physical Energetics;o LUA Faculty of Engineering;o Rezekne Higher Education Institution.

The average assessment of scientific institutions in the field of energetics is 2 points.

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Research Quality

Impact on the scientific discipline

Economic and social impact Research env. and infrastructure

Development potential

0

5

The average assessment of sci-entific institutes in the field of

energetics

6 Industry’s Competitiveness in the Smart Specialization AreaWhen identifying the participants of the area in the field of smart energetics in accordance with NACE codes, the following participation in the field was used in the description of the ecosystem:

NACE Economic sectorBDE Other industries C Manufacture of non-metallic minerals C Metalworking C Manufacture of machinery and equipment C Manufacture of vehicles

6.1 Sector Turnover in Accordance with the NACE CodesSector turnover (net turnover, million EUR)

Field/year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Smart energetics 3705.4 4077.7 4809.5 5466 5062.4

CSB data, calculation of “Fidea” SIA

6.2 Sectoral Export PerformanceSectoral exports (exports, thousand EUR)

Field/year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Smart energetics

786,9251,014,863

1,271,180

1,483,276

1,203,485

CSB data, calculation of “Fidea” SIA

* Source: Central Statistical Bureau

6.3 Sectoral Investments in R&DIn 2014, compared to 2013, the funding for research and development in Latvia increased by 0.08% and amounted to 0.68% of GDP. On average, R&D investment in Europe accounted for 2.01% of GDP in 2013.

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In 2014, 162.8 million euro were invested in research in Latvia, where foreign funding accounted for the largest share – 44.2% of total funding for research works, 27.8% – business financing, 25.6% – state funding, but 2.4% – funding of institutions of higher education. It should be noted that the business enterprise R&D expenditure of Latvia constituted 0.17% of GDP in 2013, which is significantly lower than the EU average – 1.28% of GDP.

Expenditure for research work in the business sector increased by 47% in 2014, compared to 2013, and it is related to the fact that companies channel more of their own capital for the financing of research work and foreign fund raising in the funding of company research work. Data on research costs in the area of smart energetics are not available separately.

The largest industrial investments in smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” are made in the United States, South Korea, Japan, i.e. outside the borders of the EU.

6.4 Number of Innovative Enterprises in the Particular AreaThe number of innovative enterprises in the field of smart energetics is small in Latvia, because it is difficult for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to meet the requirements that must be met in order to consider the enterprise innovative. The enterprise must meet at least two of the following criteria:

at least 25% of the sales volume come from products that are not older than 5 years;

profit from products that are not older than 5 years constitutes at least 10% of the total annual profit;

the sales volume of new products or services grows by at least 5% every year.

The number of innovative enterprises in the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” in Latvia could be around 50.

Potential new players within the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” are small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in energy production and requiring new technological solutions for their business development.

In the light of economic development trends, it is expected that new players enter the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” from the fields of ICT, transport, materials sciences, engineering, bio-technology, construction, and bio-economics.

7 Goals, Needs, Objectives and Comparative Results of the Smart Specialization Area

Knowledge specialization areas are divided according to the goal pursued:

1. Industry and applied research – supported knowledge specialization areas aimed at significantly increasing the number of specialists and increase their competence in the industry and applied research;

2. Ability to conduct research of common interest – supported knowledge specialization areas aimed at building the capacity of the existing professionals and their renewal, primarily focusing on quality;

3. Fundamental research and excellence – supported knowledge specialization areas aimed at achieving excellence in the existing volume of specialists, with a significant focus on quality and research challenges in the fundamental science.

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7.1 Industry and Applied ResearchSome innovators and engineers can ensure a significant increase in the said industries, creating innovative products to improve the profitability of individual enterprises. It is assumed that industry growth is ensured in these areas, resulting in a significant influx of specialists. For example, providing electronics or IT enterprises with high-quality professionals, they can create more knowledge-intensive, high value-added products that will lead to significant economic growth through the enterprise’s success.

Constituent areas of knowledge:

7.2 Ability to Conduct Research of Common InterestIndividual groups of scientists can have a great impact on economic results, when engaging in projects of common interest.

For example, development of forestry can significantly increase the amount of resources available, but there is no need for a forestry specialist in each enterprise, since knowledge and projects are projects of common interest.

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ResultsTasksGoalsIndustry and applied research

The absorption capacity of the

industry

Number of innovative employees working in

the industry

R&D jobs

Applied research aimed at individual

innovation

Capacity and number of researchers in

research organizations

Cooperation with the industry

102 Computer science and informatics

203 Mechanical engineering

205 Materials engineering

Constituent areas of knowledge:

7.3 Fundamental Research and ExcellenceExcellence is required in the existing volume, with a significant focus on quality and research challenges in the fundamental science.

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ResultsTasksGoalsAbility to conduct

research of common interest

Industry expertise in cooperation with

research organizations

Industry expertise. Renewal of the

number of highly qualified experts

Applied research of common interest

Effective excellence groups

106 Biology science

104 Chemistry

ResultsTasksGoalsScientific excellence as a

challenge and talent attraction

Focus means to create excellent research groups

World-renowned scientific excellence-oriented

groups, researchers and research

Ability to create a strong base of teachers ensuring the quality and prestige of

education

Excellence groups create internationally networked

human resources for applied research

Constituent areas of knowledge:

There is a single main policy goal in all areas of smart specialization – the total number of R&D jobs. The number of R&D jobs demonstrates the volume of R&D activities/product.

Individual programmes can set autonomous goals related to ensuring environmental factors for achieving the RIS3 objectives, and the project complies with the RIS3 when it complies with the specific task.

RIS3 OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE INDICATORS

Base value 2017 2020 Data source

Investment in R&D&I (% of GDP) 0.6 (2013) 1.2 1.5 CSB

Position in the European Innovation Union Scoreboard

modest (2013)

moderate follower EC

Productivity in manufacturing industry (EUR per 1 employee)

20,126 (2013)

24,500 29,000 CSB/MoE

RIS3 MACRO-LEVEL INDICATORS Base value 2017 2020 Data sourcePrivate sector investment in R&D&I (% of the total investment)

21.8 (2013)

46 48 CSB

Proportion of innovative enterprises (% of the total number of enterprises)

30.4 (2012)

35 40 CSB

Proportion of high- and medium-high-tech sectors in Latvian exports of goods (%)

23.8 (2012)

27 31 CSB/MoE

Number of scientific staff in R&D (public and private sectors)

5593 (2013)

6300 7000 CSB

A smaller number of stronger publicly funded research institutions

42 (2013)

30 20 MoES/SEQS

Proportion of graduates (ISCED level 5 and 6) in the STEM fields from the total number of graduates, %

19 (2012)

25 27 MoES

Monitoring Micro-level Indicators

License/patent income of scientific institutions (EUR); Enterprise co-financing of R&D projects (EUR); Number of enterprises that have received aid for the introduction of new

products/technologies; Enterprise’s turnover from commercialization of research results of their

implementation in economic activity; New enterprises (spin-off) established by scientific institutions

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101 Mathematics

103 Physics

104 Chemistry

106 Biology science

Number of newly established enterprises that have received support; Number of new scientists that have received support for their post-doctoral research; The newly created jobs, including those, in which the research staff is employed in the

public sector / business sector; Funding raised by approved H2020 project applications (LV part; EUR); Scientific articles published in international databases (Scopus, Web of Science); Employees trained; Number of master’s and doctoral students involved in R&I projects.

(Source: Informative report “Smart Specialization Strategy Monitoring System”)

Balanced use of financial resources, human resources, technology and knowledge available in the country can be considered the main source of competitiveness for development of the entire ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”. However, the main source of competitiveness is human resources.The lack of highly qualified specialists, especially in the research and development sector, and lack of financial resources can be considered the biggest obstacles for development in the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”. Both of these obstacles are related, since they are caused by a long-term (since the early 90s) lack of science and education funding.

7.4 Goals of the Smart Specialization Area by 2020There is a single main policy goal in all areas of smart specialization – the total number of R&D jobs. The number of R&D jobs demonstrates the volume of R&D activities/product.

Individual programmes can set autonomous goals related to ensuring environmental factors for achieving the RIS3 objectives, and the project complies with the RIS3 when it complies with the specific task.

Potential new players within the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” are small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in energy production and requiring new technological solutions for their business development.

In the light of economic development trends, it is expected that new players enter the ecosystem of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” from the fields of ICT, transport, construction, materials sciences, biotechnology, and bioeconomy.

7.5 Smart Specialization NichesLatvia has a good potential to find its place in smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” and to participate actively in each of the four European Energy Union priority areas:

smart grid development – demand-supply system development, smart buildings, homes, appliances and home automation systems;

development of next-generation technologies for energy production from renewable energy resources;

increasing energy efficiency – building energy efficiency, energy efficiency of infrastructure elements of populated areas;

sustainable energy for transport – new technologies, acceleration of their introduction, electricomobility.

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Latvia has a good potential to strengthen its position in the leading area of smart grid development in the Baltics. Previous activities – successful participation of Latvian scientists in the European Energy Research Alliance Common Agenda “Smart Grids” (IPE), research projects of the EU 6th and 7th Framework Programme and “Horizon 2020” awarded in conditions of great competition and implemented (RTU FPEE, IPE), active participation in the EU cooperation network SMARTGRIDS ERA-Net (LAS) and research projects implemented within the framework thereof (IPE) have helped Latvia to take up the leading position among research organisations of the two other Baltic States and made it possible to generate and accumulate knowledge in the field of smart grids that is significant for the ecosystem.

The fact that, since 2006, smart grid research has always been a part of the NRP in the energetics is important. Research conducted within the framework of ERA-Net and NRP was carried out by scientists (IPE, RTU FPEE) cooperating with “Latvenergo” AS and its subsidiary “Sadales tīkls” AS, thus promoting the use of research results obtained and their verification in practice. The projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) in 2007–2013 have also contributed to improving the knowledge of researchers and their professional development, as well as approbation of research results obtained.

Successful further development of the smart grid area is not possible without a close connection to the ICT sector in development of both new electronic equipment and relevant software and their practical application, so the researchers and entrepreneurs of the ICT sector are taking part and will take part in this specialization niche.

Development of next-generation technologies for energy production from renewable energy resources is an important niche of smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” in Latvia. There is both demand for new, innovative, competitive solutions for technology development or improvement from small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the ecosystem and sufficient potential from the staff of institutions of higher education and research institutes employed in the field of research, who could help to materialize this demand in practice.

The previous experience of researchers on implementing research projects of the EU 6th and 7th Framework Programme and “Horizon 2020” (RTU FPEE, IPE, LUA), individual projects in the NRP field of energetics and LCS grants, as well as the projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF), opens up wide possibilities for cooperation of scientists employed in the higher education and research sector with the entrepreneurs of corresponding specialization in developing and introducing new technologies.

Cooperation of small and medium-sized enterprises that develop and adapt technologies for generating energy from various types of biomass, biogas and other renewable energy sources, and energy researchers in finding specific solutions, also involving researchers from other smart specialization areas, such as “Knowledge-Intensive Bio-Economics”, provides great opportunities to promote the transformation of the Latvian economy, which is consistent with the national directions of development [27].

Increasing energy efficiency is a significant potential niche in the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”, as Latvia has many years of research work, interest from public administration institutions (Ministry of Economics) [28], and cooperation between enterprises and research institutions in this area for achievement of good results. The main participants among the institutions of higher education and scientific institutions are RTU FPEE, RTU

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FMETA, RTU FCE, IPE, UL FPM. Scientific results obtained while implementing research projects of the EU 6th and 7th Framework Programme and “Horizon 2020”, projects within the framework of all three current NRPs in the field of energetics, projects funded by the LCS, the ERDF and the ESF, are a strong basis for existence of sufficient scientific potential for the direction of increasing energy efficiency.

Improvement of energy efficiency of buildings, improvement of energy efficiency of infrastructure elements of populated areas, and building energy efficiency of individual production processes are factors contributing to the development of the Latvian economy and goals [28] to be defined as niche priorities in the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics”. Not only the business sector, but also local governments and municipal enterprises are interested in increasing energy efficiency.

Topic on sustainable energy for transport shall be included in the smart specialization area “Smart Energetics” as a niche direction, taking into account both the EC policies, defining the transport sector as one of the areas that has a huge potential to contribute to curbing energy demand [14], and its topicality for the development of Latvia [29]. Experience of Latvian scientists and research results obtained while implementing research projects of the EU 7th Framework Programme and “Horizon 2020”, research projects within the framework of all previous NRPs in the field of energetics, as well as projects funded by the LCS, the ERDF and the ESF, have created a sufficient knowledge basis for development of this direction.

Three main research directions can be identified in this niche – research related to development of electromobility (research experience and work in process, RTU FPEE, LUA), research related to use of hydrogen technologies (research experience and work in process, UL ISSP, RTU, IPE), research related to development of second-generation biofuels (research experience and work in process, RTU FMSAC).

8 Discussions Research: Insufficient cooperation between the scientists and the industry. To create

a closer connection with enterprises, the Cabinet Regulations framework has to be changed within the framework of Competence Centre programme, making the CCs more accessible to researchers. Research on electric and smart grids is necessary, using mathematical modelling methods, research on energy efficiency solutions for specific enterprises, research on applications of electricity in transport, bioenergy solutions, and solutions for electricity self-supply.

Human resources: There is a lack of qualified human resources, especially engineers, study placement opportunities for students, and cooperation with entrepreneurs and local governments in ensuring study placement opportunities for students. Academic and scientific personnel get an incomplete picture of the needs of enterprises. The proposal to ensure maximum public budget funding for the training of engineers. Support is required for elaboration of the Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and scientific supervisors in engineering fields, support to ensure placement opportunities for students of vocational and higher education and placement managers in enterprises and local governments, development of placement programmes. For academic staff to identify the needs of entrepreneurs, it is necessary to plan support for experience exchange / part-time work of academic staff in enterprises by involving them in solving problems related to growth of the enterprises.

Infrastructure: Institutions of higher education and research centres need the opportunity to use the existing infrastructure and develop a new infrastructure for

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establishing cooperation with enterprises. It is recommended to support the use of infrastructure of institutions of higher education and research institutes to implement research commissioned by enterprises.

Entrepreneurship: Low energy efficiency of heat consumers can be observed in Latvia, and there are energy accounting problems. Latvian producers lack knowledge about energy-saving opportunities and possibility of development of energy self-supply systems. There is a relatively high energy price in Latvia. A call to conduct research on energy efficiency solutions for specific companies, to inform entrepreneurs about the possibilities of self-supply of electricity. Opening of the free electricity market.

9 Reference Sources:1. Guidelines for the Facilitation of Exports of Goods and Services of Latvia and

Attraction of Foreign Investment for 2013–2019 (Cabinet Resolution No. 249 of 17.06.2013)

2. Informative Report “Regarding the Implementation of the Structural Reforms in Latvian Science Sector until July 1, 2015” (adopted at the Cabinet meeting of 19.08.2014);

3. Draft Informative Report “Smart Specialization Strategy Monitoring System” (announced SSS on 4 June 2015, SSS minutes No. 22, Paragraph 18);

4. Information available on the website of the State Education Development Agency regarding RIS3 and discussion cycles organised in the framework thereof: http://viaa.gov.lv/lat/zinatnes_inovacijas_progr/viedas_specializacijas_iev/vieda_specializacija_jaunumi/

5. Database of the Central Statistical Bureau;

6. http://www.csb.gov.lv/statistikas-temas/statistikas-uznemumu-registrs-galvenie- raditaji-30076.html

7. https://www.em.gov.lv/lv/par_ministriju/iestades__kapitalsabiedribas

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9. http://www.lg.lv/?id=178&lang=lat

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11. The transmission system operator’s annual evaluation report of 2014. http://www.ast.lv/files/ast_files/gadaparskzinoj/PSO_Zinojums_2014.pdf

12. http://www.komforts.eu/lat/par-uznemumu/isi

13. http://www.grandeg.lv

14. http://www.sep.lv/lv/?n=sakums

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16. http://www.fortum.com/countries/lv/par-fortum/fortum-latvija/pages/default.aspx

17. http://www.rtu.lv/content/view/34/41/lang,lv

18. http://www.bf.rtu.lv/?page=bf

19. http://www.rtu.lv/content/view/38/45/lang,lv

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20. http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/energy-union/docs/energyunion_en.pdf

21. http://lki.ktf.rtu.lv

22. http://www.energyresearch.lv

23. http://www.tf.llu.lv

24. http://www.lif.llu.lv

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26. http://www.cfi.lu.lv

27. http://www.ru.lv

28. http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do? uri=COM:2008:0030:FIN:en:PDF

29. http://www.sprk.gov.lv/lapas/par-oik-no-2014gada-1aprila

30. http://www.csb.gov.lv/sites/default/files/nr_36_petniecibas_statistika_14_00_lv.pdf

31. http://www.innovativelatvia.lv/inovacijas-abc/inovativs-uznemums

32. Guidelines for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 2014–2020 (Cabinet Resolution No. 685 of 28.12.2013) http://tap.mk.gov.lv/mk/tap/?pid=40306267

33. National Industrial Policy Guidelines for 2013-2020 (Cabinet Resolution No. 282 of 28.06.2013) www.inovacijas.rtu.lv/sites/default/files/dokumenti/nac_indstr.%20pol.doc

34. National Development Plan for 2014 –2020 (Approved by the decision of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia of 20 December 2012) http://www.pkc.gov.lv/images/NAP2020%20dokumenti/20121220_NAP2020_apstiprinats_Saeima.pdf

35. Towards an Integrated Roadmap: Research Innovation Challenges and Needs of the EU Energy System https://setis.ec.europa.eu/set-plan-process/integrated-roadmap-and-action-plan

36. Informative Report “Regarding the Progress in Developing the Action Plan for Implementation of the Guidelines for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 2014–2020, including the Smart Specialization Strategy Action Plan and a Description of the Result Indicator System” (adopted at the Cabinet meeting of 21.10.2014) http://tap.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/?pid=40334802&mode=mk&date=2014-10-21

37. http://latenergi.rtu.lv/kopsavilkums.html

38. Informative Report “Regarding the Establishment of National Research Centres to Ensure Concentration of Resources and Efficient Investment of the European Union Structural Funds” (adopted at the Cabinet meeting of 17.08.2010) http://tap.mk.gov.lv/lv/mk/tap/?pid=40187173&mode=mk&date=2010-08-17

39. http://www.csb.gov.lv/statistikas-temas/inovacijas-galvenie-raditaji-30336.html

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