ICT and Related Sectors Digital Skills Training Project
Project No. 2.3.1.2.i.0/2/23/A/CFLA/001
Last December, a large-scale conference DIGI POWER took place in Kuldīga. The event provided practical insights into the development of digital skills in ICT sector businesses and was complemented by participants from construction, tourism, light industry, and woodworking sectors, including entrepreneurs, experts, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. The main organizer of the conference was the Ventspils High Technology Park Foundation.
During the conference, company representatives and industry experts shared experiences and success stories on achieving results through the use of digital skills. The event also offered opportunities to establish new contacts, foster collaborations, and meet many inspiring people in one place. Presentations on digitalization were delivered by Gvido Grīnbergs (Ventspils High Technology Park Foundation), Pauls Siliņš (RigaTechGirls), Kaspars Rožkalns (UPB Nams Ltd.), Jurģis Kalniņš (Rietumu Būvvadība Ltd.), Marija Gordina (MG Digital Fashion Studio), Aleksandrs Bobrovs (Trempel Ltd.), Olavs Rāciņš (Delulu Solutions), Antra Meike (Hotel Virkas Muiža Ltd.), Sintija Pusaudze (Liepāja Tourism Information Bureau), Edgars Makarovs (Kurekss Ltd.), Sandis Fogelmanis (Stiga RM Ltd.), Kristaps Freimanis (TestDevLab Ltd.), and Agate Ambulte (Digital Innovation Park).
Ilze Lore, Director of the Enterprise Support Department at the Ministry of Economics, informed conference participants about available financial support for business digitalization, training courses, and funding opportunities from EU support programs. The key conclusion: digital skills are no longer just a future necessity—they are a reality today. The competitiveness and efficiency of modern businesses depend directly on their ability to adapt to the digital environment. Digitalization is an ongoing process that requires flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Source: vatp.lv
What is your experience and area of specialization in the industry?
I am personally a doctoral student in entrepreneurship, but my professional experience is in the ICT sector (information and communication technologies). As the Head of the Business Support and Digital Innovation Center, my focus is on attracting companies in this industry to Ventspils and the surrounding region.
Why is continuous learning important for companies in the sector?
The answer is quite simple – in the past couple of years, artificial intelligence has entered our lives and, in my opinion, it has changed everything – both the way we work and the performance targets we aim to achieve. Therefore, continuous growth and learning are essential not only for professionals in this field but for everyone in life.
How are information technologies being implemented in the industry?
Information technologies are currently implemented through various projects, for example, digitalization projects. At Ventspils High Technology Park, we participate in the European Digital Innovation Hub community, offering companies support to digitalize existing processes, implement new ones, and help develop new digital products and services.
Can you provide a recent example of IT implementation?
A recent example I share with clients is a company that previously could not accept card payments. With the support of project programs, the company introduced card payment options for its clients. This business is quite specific – it is an auto towing service. Previously, invoices were sent by email, and the business had to follow up with clients by phone if payments were not received. By implementing a payment terminal, the company can now accept card payments immediately while assisting clients on the road, as clients rarely carry cash.
What is, in your opinion, the significance of the DIGI SPĒKS conference?
In my view, the main significance of this conference is what I mentioned in my presentation – we often focus so much on our daily work or “sandbox” that it is useful to look up and see what is happening around us. This conference brings together five different industries, which allows us to learn from them all and potentially adopt best practices to implement in our own sector.
What is your vision for the industry’s future development?
I believe that the journey of artificial intelligence has only just begun and will likely develop rapidly. We all need to be ready to hop on this train and move forward with it, rather than watching it pass by and being left behind.
Anatoly Subocs, an expert in the European Commission’s Recovery and Resilience Mechanism implementation task force, emphasizes: “Digitalization is a key driver of economic growth in the European Union (EU), promoting competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development. With EU support, Latvia is investing in the development of digital skills and the digital transformation of companies by establishing Digital Innovation Hubs and providing training for both citizens and businesses.”
What a user needs to know when starting to work with an ERP system?
INSTRUCTORS:Ilze Čerevko
TRAINING COURSE CONTENT:
Latvian Computer Technology Association
Offers a training project“Digital Skills Training Project for the ICT and Related Sectors”Project No. 2.3.1.2.i.0/2/23/A/CFLA/001Project implementation until 30 June 2026Applications for new training within the project are open until 30 April 2026.Please apply by sending an information request to apmacibas@itnet.lv
The aim of the project investment is to provide micro, small, medium, and large enterprises registered in the Republic of Latvia with basic digital, robotics, and automation skills, digital transformation and digital innovation skills, including skills that promote export development, high-level digital governance skills at the management level, and skills for using digital technologies in various business processes.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union Recovery Fund.The initial total eligible project costs are EUR 1,134,000, including the planned Recovery Fund support of EUR 567,000.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Commission.Neither the European Union nor the European Commission is responsible for them.
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