On March 18, an expert panel discussion titled “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation: Innovations and Support” will take place, during which experts will discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening Latvia’s competitiveness and analyze the experiences of both the public and private sectors in this field.

The discussion will be held from 11:25 to 12:10 as part of the international scientific conference “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation: Innovations, Opportunities, and Ethical Challenges” at Turība University. The session can be attended in person or watched online on the university’s Facebook page.

On March 18, an expert panel discussion titled “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation: Innovations and Support” will take place, during which experts will discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening Latvia’s competitiveness and analyze the experiences of both the public and private sectors in this field.

The discussion will be held from 11:25 to 12:10 as part of the international scientific conference “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation: Innovations, Opportunities, and Ethical Challenges” at Turība University. The session can be attended in person or watched online on the university’s Facebook page.

The panel discussion will feature international artificial intelligence solutions expert from Estonia, Helmes Group representative Artūrs Sosins, director of the artificial intelligence direction of the digital services company “Emergn Latvia”, company CEO Aldis Ērglis, director of the Finance Department of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency Vita Balode-Andrūsa, and Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology of the Turība university Jānis Pekša.

During the discussion, experts will address questions such as:

• What are the best practices for knowledge and innovation transfer that can accelerate digital transformation in Latvia?
• How can the public and private sectors collaborate more closely to create sustainable digital solutions?
• How can digital innovations provide not only technological but also economic benefits to Latvia’s competitiveness?
• Which sectors in Latvia are currently benefiting most from digitalization, and which are lagging behind?
• How can data security, privacy, and innovation development be ensured?
• What ethical considerations should be taken into account when implementing advanced technologies like AI or automation?
• Are Latvia’s human resources adequately prepared for digital transformation, and which competencies need to be developed in the coming years?
• What obstacles hinder the rapid adoption of public digital solutions, and how can they be overcome?
• How can SMEs ensure they have the knowledge and innovations necessary for digital growth?
• How can a responsible digital environment be created that aligns technology development with long-term societal interests?

The conference will be opened by Professor Zane Driņķe, Rector of Turība University Raimonds Čudars, Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development, and Aigars Rostovskis, Vice President of Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The scientific conference will feature both international and Latvian experts from various sectors. International AI expert PhD Artūrs Sosins from Estonia will discuss AI-driven global digital transformation, while Associate Professor Evija Kļave, Vice-Rector of Turība University, will explore AI as a driver of change in higher education. Practical examples of AI applications accelerating digital transformation will be presented by experts from Emergn Latvia, including CEO Aldis Ērglis, Lead Data Scientist Muntis Rudzītis, and Business Analyst Irina Šitova, who specialize in digital transformation, business and IT competency development, and implementation of modern technologies in organizations.

As every year, the conference will also include scientific research sessions covering a wide range of topics - from IT and business to health, education, security, and communication.

During the conference, the results of the latest Turība Business Index 2026 study will be presented, revealing changes in Latvian entrepreneurs’ sentiment and the factors affecting their work. The findings will be presented by Arnis Kaktiņš, Director of the SKDS Research Center, who has conducted this comprehensive study for the eighth consecutive year, surveying 750 companies in Latvia.

The conference is organized by the Faculty of Information Technology at Turība University with support from the Erasmus+ collaboration project AI-ERIT, which aims to promote the ethical and effective use of AI in higher education. The working language of the conference is Latvian, with simultaneous English translation provided. The thematic sessions will be conducted in both Latvian and English. The conference will also be streamed live on Turība University’s Facebook page.