How can Latvia keep its critical services running if foreign technologies or infrastructure suddenly become unavailable? How can satellite communications strengthen communications security, and how can Latvian companies contribute to the development of Europe’s digital infrastructure? These questions will take centre stage next week, on 21–22 October, when the ninth Techritory digitalisation and connectivity forum takes place at the ATTA Centre in Riga.
Digital sovereignty is becoming a practical issue of national security and business competitiveness. Latvia needs to know where its critical data is stored, who controls access to it and how essential services will continue operating if a technology provider or communications link becomes unavailable. This requires both transparent data governance and arrangements prepared in advance to restore services and switch to alternative solutions.
“Digital sovereignty begins with the ability to keep critical services running even when familiar technologies or communications routes become unavailable. At Techritory, we will discuss how to combine global technologies with local and regional infrastructure, and how Latvia can become a provider of digital infrastructure and security solutions for Europe,” says Neils Kalniņš, Director of the Techritory Ecosystem.
The forum’s discussions will also focus on the development of European data centres, the adoption of artificial intelligence and the resilience of digital infrastructure. These areas offer Latvian companies opportunities to develop secure cloud services, computing capacity and other solutions for European customers.
“Businesses and public institutions must first identify which data and systems are critical, where they are located and how quickly they can be restored or migrated. Alongside global services, we need primary and backup infrastructure managed in Europe. For Latvian data centre companies, this is an opportunity to offer customers both greater control over their data and continuity of service,” says Andris Gailītis, CEO of DELSKA.
Satellite Communications: An Additional Communications Route and Economic Opportunities
Satellite connectivity is becoming an important part of Europe’s infrastructure for everyday communications, crisis management and defence. It can complement terrestrial networks in areas where connections are limited or damaged. Latvia’s security depends on having multiple communications routes available and being able to switch between them. Using satellite communications as a backup connection requires equipment, power supplies and service access to be arranged in advance.
The core constellation of Europe’s secure satellite connectivity system, IRIS², is planned to comprise 348 satellites, with the first launches scheduled for 2029. The system is also intended to serve public administration, defence and emergency services, with deployment and service availability developing in stages.
Space technologies also create opportunities for Latvian companies and researchers to develop new services and secure international contracts. One practical example is a satellite data solution developed jointly by Sadales tīkls and Baltic Satellite Service to identify trees and shrubs within power line protection zones. It demonstrates how satellite data can help monitor infrastructure and detect potential threats at an early stage.
LIAA Panel Discussion: From Pilot Projects to Measurable Business Results
On 22 October, from 14:30 to 15:20, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) will host a panel discussion entitled “Scaling Business Digitalisation: Investment and European Partnerships”.
The discussion will explore what distinguishes digitalisation projects that deliver measurable results from isolated pilot projects, and which business processes benefit most quickly from digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Participants will also examine the availability of EU and national funding, the role of public policy, and opportunities to use European Digital Innovation Hubs and the Horizon Europe programme to help Latvian companies deploy solutions at scale and compete internationally.
“The value of digitalisation in a business is determined by measurable results: more efficient processes, higher productivity and new market opportunities. European funding and partnerships can help turn a successful pilot project into a widely adopted solution, provided that support is clear, accessible and aligned with the company’s development needs,” says panel moderator Egita Aizsilniece-Ibema, Head of LIAA’s Representative Office in Brussels.
The discussion will feature Aiga Irmeja from the Latvian IT Cluster, Ģirts Slaviņš, CEO of Mobilly, Artūrs Vasiļevskis, CEO of Tilde, and Andris Kuznieks from the European Commission Representation in Latvia.
The main theme of Techritory 2026 is “Security and Prosperity Through Digitalization and Connectivity”. The forum is organised by Elektroniskie sakari, with LMT Group, the Nordic Council of Ministers, DELSKA and the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development as strategic partners. Participation is free of charge, and the working language is English. The programme and registration are available at techritory.com.
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The event is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund project “Support for Process Digitalisation in Latvia” (Project No. 1.2.2.1/1/25/I/001) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility project “Development and Continuous Operation of a Comprehensive Innovation System Governance Model” (No. 5.1.1.1.i.0/1/23/I/EM/002). The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
