On 9 October, the think tank LaSER presented its latest report, “Riga Knowledge Mile (2.0),” at Riga City Council. The report examines the Knowledge Mile concept, progress to date, and opportunities for its practical implementation.
During the presentation, Daunis Auers, Chairman of the Board of LaSER, outlined Riga’s potential to become a city of students and knowledge, while Tina Šipkēvica, co-author of the report, discussed the obstacles that have hindered the development of the Knowledge Mile and the steps needed to bring the concept to life.
The presentation was followed by a panel discussion entitled “Will It Work This Time? How (and Whether) to Develop Riga’s Knowledge Mile.” The discussion explored perspectives on the future of the Knowledge Mile, cooperation between universities and the municipality, and ways to harness Riga’s potential for knowledge creation and innovation. The panellists included Vilnis Ķirsis, Deputy Chair of Riga City Council; Edgars Bergholcs, Chair of the Riga City Development Committee; Artūrs Zeps, Vice-Rector for Development and Finance at Riga Technical University; and Aigars Šmits, Chairman of the Board of LANĪDA.
The discussion was moderated by Viesturs Celmiņš, co-author of “Riga Knowledge Mile (2.0)” and Head of VEFRESH.
The report revisits the concept, which has been under discussion for more than a decade, of creating a concentrated hub of universities and knowledge institutions in Pārdaugava to foster innovation, knowledge creation, and the commercialisation of ideas. It examines why the Knowledge Mile has yet to be fully realised and identifies the conditions necessary to transform the concept into a tangible development project.
The report is available to read and download here.
Photo: Riga City Council
