1

IT Services from Latvia

 Analysis by SWOT Discussion

For Latvia as an IT Services Provider

 

2

A.     STRENGTHS1. EU member—euro is coming, NATO

2. Technical society—good STEM education

3. High level of education

4. Excellent internet connectivity

5. “Near Shore” for Europe

6. “Follow the Sun” for North America

7. High level of culture in society

- understanding of business, family oriented

8. Good language skills

3

B. WEAKNESSES 1. Unstable tax structure—excessive bureaucracy

2. Team communication—residual concept of - “knowledge is power”

C. OPPORTUNITIES 1.      

1. Besides India, China and East Asia are entering market2. Transparency in government3. Too stringent labor laws4. Movement in education toward social sciences

D. THREATS 1. Focus on niches requiring higher level skills2. Joint business/education programs 

Andris Lacis July, 2013