Representatives of FICIL reflected on Latvia’s economic recovery plan and praised the government for efficient response to Covid-19 pandemic. Latvia’s response strategy has been one of the most successful in the world and FICIL hopes that Latvia’s recovery from the crisis caused by pandemic will be as successful.
FICIL Board members also pointed out that recession will have profound impact on the labour market. One of the key priorities right now is mitigation of fiscal impact on welfare system and efficient human resource management system. Reskilling and training system with strategic planning and other data-driven tools. Such system would facilitate faster reintegration into labour market and eliminate mismatch between skills and labour market needs. President Levits echoed FICIL position and added that government must clearly define leading industries and sectors to maximise the returns on public investments.
Another key topic of discussion was digital transformation in Latvia. FICIL Board members underlined that public sector has quickly adapted to changes triggered by Covid-19 pandemic. However, successful digital transformation of the government requires an integrated and analytical approach, and strong open data culture and data-pooling systems.
President and Board members of FICIL strongly agreed that there is a need for one managing authority to take charge of bringing innovation and digital transformation higher on the political agenda of Latvia. FICIL Board members strongly underlined that companies are currently expected to complete their digital transformation and the same is expected of the government sector. And now is the right time to put effort into smooth transformation.
President and FICIL also talked about higher education reform plan that has been handed over to the parliament. FICIL Board members underlined that good higher education is important in training of future professionals. It is also crucial for stopping potential migration caused by pandemic.
President Levits and FICIL Board members agreed that higher education reform must be focused on efficient governance and strategic development of universities, including closer cooperation with private sector and international experts. President Levits and FICIL promised to continue close monitoring of the implementation of the reform in future.
