In the discussion about the desired future development scenario for Latvia until 2040, experts from various sectors recognized the so-called “Baltic Tigers”, which envisage close cooperation of the Baltic states, but the most realistic development scenario, according to experts, is “Tired Latvia” or the current pace of development.
The experts agreed that the state’s decision-making power must clearly define Latvia’s vision, goals and achievable results, and then move towards it purposefully by making appropriate decisions and implementing the relevant works.
In April of this year, the Institute of Strategic and Economic Solutions of Latvia (think tank LaSER) has conducted a study “Four scenarios for Latvia”, which combines elements of brainstorming, surveys, data analysis and document research in order to map four possible future scenarios of Latvia until 2040 – scenario 1 – “Baltic Tiger”; Scenario 2 – “Northern Latvia”; Scenario 3 – “Tired Latvia”; Scenario 4 – “Lonely Latvia”.
Andris Vanags, Chairman of the Council of JSC SAKRET Holdings and Chairman of the Council of Riga Technical University, admitted during the discussion that “we need to wake up and understand that our region is the Baltic States”. “Riga has great potential only because we are geographically in the middle. It must be used. We have to evaluate what are the pluses and minuses for Lithuanians, what are the pluses and minuses for Estonians. Their pluses must also become our pluses, and their minuses – our advantages.”
“I think that we should cooperate with neighboring countries and build our international image through the cooperation of the Baltic states. If we agreed on joint taxes, then we would have an incentive to do a lot more qualitatively,” said Daunis Auers, chairman of the board of think tank LaSER, professor at the University of Latvia, researcher of politics, political risks and economic competitiveness of European and Baltic states, agreeing with what Vanag said.
After analyzing all four scenarios, Kaspars Rožkalns, Chairman of the Board of SIA “UPB Nams”, Chairman of the Board of Latvian Exporters’ Association “The Red Jackets”, emphasized that “we need to find a way to create genuine cooperation between neighboring countries, which would look good not only on paper , but also in life”. As an example, he mentioned the “Rail Baltica” project, where all Baltic states have a common goal, but implementation and cooperation in “life” are not going so well.
Andris Kaktiņš, director of the public opinion research center SKDS, pointed out that each of these four scenarios has elements that are valid and acceptable for us. “The only thing that is completely wrong for us is to continue as it is, because it is a road to absolutely nowhere. I would say that we take the best and most suitable from each,” emphasized A. Kaktiņš.
Continuing SKDS Director, Business School Wealth rector and professor, chairwoman of the Knowledge Economy Council of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zane Driņke emphasized that there will be someone who will change: “The main thing is not to stand still, because, firstly, there is nothing interesting there, and secondly, in this way we will enter a deep swamp, and we will not get out of it. I believe that the Baltic states should cooperate. There is so much to do here, both for an entrepreneur and for people from the political environment. The main thing is to want,” said Z. Driņke.
Business high-school Wealth On April 29, an online opinion forum was organized “Scenarios of Latvia’s economic growth: shall we spend, save or earn?” to discuss the most realistic scenario of Latvia’s development and economic growth until 2040 from the point of view of experts from various sectors.
Discussions “Latvia’s economic growth scenarios: shall we spend, save or earn?” the record is available at the Business School Wealth on the Facebook page.
