Digital Innovation in The Heart of Latvia: Reflections from Valmiera and Cēsis

April 21–22, 2026 · Vidzeme Planning Region, Latvia

Earlier this year, WestBIC and Leitrim County Council joined partners and stakeholders from across Europe in Latvia for the fifth Interregional Learning Event of the Digital Rural | Interreg Europe project. Hosted by the Vidzeme Planning Region, the two-day event took place across Valmiera and Cēsis, focusing on how digital tools and smart regional strategies are transforming communities.

Digital Transformation in Practice

The first morning opened at Hotel Wolmar with a review of project progress across partner countries, alongside an introduction to the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH); a resource helping businesses navigate digital transformation through maturity testing, training and personalised consulting. This was especially relevant for WestBIC, who as consortium members of the Data2Sustain EDIH in Ireland were able to see first-hand how their counterparts in Latvia are driving forward the same work.

Participating Irish stakeholders -including Udaras na Gaeltachta, Sligo County Council and Longford Local Enterprise Office, outlined their thematic interests and expertise to enrich learning and exchange throughout the event.

The afternoon brought the group by bus to Cēsis, where two standout presentations brought regional innovation to life. The Cēsis Digital Centre shared how it is building digital skills, integrating technology into public administration, and attracting ICT companies and talent to the region. Their ‘Digital Skills for Everyone’ approach is of particular interest in Co. Leitrim and has inspired policy improvement through the new Digital Placemaking Strategy for a Connected Leitrim, launched recently.

We also heard about a digital twin of the Ogre River, a 20km model capable of predicting flood risk 24 hours in advance an impressive example of how data and technology can serve real community needs. Leitrim County Council have followed up directly to further inform similar planning in their region.

A Gateway to the Stars

The visit to the Space Exploration Centre in Cēsis was one of the highlights of the trip, an interactive science centre where visitors of all ages can explore astronaut life and modern space technologies, including a replica of the International Space Station. It was a vivid reminder of the power of hands-on, experiential learning to spark curiosity and engagement. Day 1 closed with a dinner at the atmospheric Cēsis Medieval Castle, a well-earned chance to relax and reflect together.

Digital Learning from the Region

Day 2 moved to Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, where partners heard about the Ce4Re project- helping restaurants reduce food waste through circular-economy principles and practical digital tools including the Circular Menu Tool and EkoGo app, as well as an update on digitalisation initiatives across the region.

Partners then heard about the university’s impressive range of advanced digital courses, spanning virtual and augmented reality, cybersecurity, electronics, mechatronics and spatial analysis, and toured the university digital laboratories as a fitting end to two days immersed in the region’s digital ambition.

What We Took Home

The Vidzeme visit reinforced the value of seeing digital innovation in action — not just in policy documents, but in the people, places and projects bringing it to life. The partners returned to their regions energised and with plenty of inspiration, and new network of contacts, to carry into the next phase of the project.

📍 The event was hosted by the Vidzeme Planning Region, Latvia, as part of the ongoing Digital Rural | Interreg Europe project.