Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions - …cfla.gov.lv/userfiles/files/1111_Ecosystem - Smart... · Web viewWood-processing for the needs of electrical engineering, electronics

Analytical description of the ecosystem of smart

specialization area “Smart materials, technologies and

engineering systems”

30 November 2015 Member of the Board of “Fidea” SIA

Gundars Kuļikovskis

2015

Table of Contents1 Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions......................................................................3

1.1 Aim of the Smart Specialization Strategy..............................................................................3

1.2 Smart Specialization Strategy................................................................................................3

1.3 Definition of the Field of Ecosystem.....................................................................................3

1.4 Methodology..........................................................................................................................3

2 Regulatory Framework of the Area of Smart Materials, Technologies and Engineering Systems. 4

3 Description of the Key Participants of the Area.............................................................................4

3.1 Key Participants.....................................................................................................................4

3.2 Knowledge Creators (Fundamental Knowledge)...................................................................4

3.3 Knowledge Creators (Applied Knowledge)...........................................................................5

3.4 Key Participants of the Area – Knowledge Users in Manufacturing......................................7

3.5 Graphical Representation of Participants of the Ecosystem.................................................10

4 Human Capital Available in the Area of Smart Specialization....................................................12

4.1 Number of Students.............................................................................................................16

4.2 Number of Scientific Staff...................................................................................................16

5 Results of the International Assessment of the Scientific Institutions Working in the Area........17

6 Industry Indicators in the Area of Specialization.........................................................................19

6.1 Sector Turnover...................................................................................................................19

6.2 Sectoral Export Performance...............................................................................................19

6.3 Sectoral Investments in R&D..............................................................................................20

6.4 Number of Innovative Enterprises in the Particular Area.....................................................20

7 Goals of the Smart Specialization Area.......................................................................................21

7.1 Industry and Applied Research............................................................................................21

7.2 Ability to Conduct Research of Common Interest...............................................................22

7.3 Fundamental research and Excellence.................................................................................22

7.4 Niches of the Area of Smart Materials, Technologies and Engineering Systems.................24

7.5 Current Key Obstacles in the Industry.................................................................................25

8 Discussions..................................................................................................................................25

9 Reference Sources:......................................................................................................................26

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1 Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions 1.1 Aim of the Smart Specialization Strategy Smart Specialization Strategy is aimed at the transformation of the national economy in order to build economic knowledge capacity by investing in research, innovation and events for their promotion. For building of economic knowledge capacity and efficient use of innovations, other conditions are also of importance. Other national development strategies and measures related to the Smart Specialization Strategy are prescribed for their implementation.

1.2 Smart Specialization StrategyTo focus limited resources for ensuring an increase in innovation capacity in the areas of knowledge, where the economy has the highest growth potential. Latvian Smart Specialization Strategy is a strategy for the transformation of the economy. It provides for building of the economic knowledge capacity, which leads to higher and sustainable productivity.

1.3 Definition of the Field of EcosystemThe ecosystem of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems is a set of defined processes and participants, the interactions of which result in creation of smart materials (materials that change their properties as a result of external stimulus), technologies, and engineering systems – a set of manageable processes that changes adaptively as a result of external physicochemical and/or social, and/or economic, and/or psychoemotional changes.

The smart specialization area includes all representatives of the industry, science and education, who create knowledge within the scope of the smart specialization area, to whom this knowledge is crucial for their ability to earn, as well as those who provide education based on this knowledge. Ecosystem is formed by the participants of the area, their relationships and transactions among them.

In this context, knowledge can be encoded, i.e. as documents, it may be integrated into technologies or it may be uncoded – tacit knowledge, transferred in direct contact and through a discussion among the knowledge carriers or consumers.

Conditions directly influencing the participant – the market, financing, scale of the field of knowledge, the state aid instruments and the regulatory framework – are also addressed in the context of the ecosystem.

Relation of smart technologies with the social sciences, health sciences, as well as ethics has to be noted as a significant difference from many other aspects of efficient application of knowledge. It is necessary to attract knowledge of the humanities in order to create algorithms of adaptive autonomous operation of automatic, technological (smart) systems, so that they can perform their tasks adequately and with minimal risk to others, responding to subjective activities, requirements and expectations oriented on human emotions rather than rational needs.

1.4 MethodologyConsidering that the ecosystem is very extensive, only the part of the ecosystem, which is directly linked to knowledge and can be influenced via public intervention through research,

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development, innovation investment or support, is viewed and analysed in the context of smart specialization.

2 Regulatory Framework of the Area of Smart Materials, Technologies and Engineering Systems

There is no separate regulatory framework for the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems – it is subject to all laws and regulations governing the manufacture and provision of any other goods/services.

It is possible to predict the development of the regulatory framework in the area of smart technologies in relation to closer interaction of technology and society and a more extensive development of adaptive autonomous technological systems in the services sector (psychology, sociology, anthropology, ethics, morality in the development of technical systems and technology management algorithms – currently there is no regulatory framework in these fields).

It is necessary to involve international relations and policy specialists in the development of the regulatory framework to ensure compatibility of the results with the European Union and global trends.

3 Description of the Key Participants of the Area3.1 Key ParticipantsThe list of participants of the area has been created, based on the information provided by the key participants of the area on their lines of activity. In addition, the principle of priority of local resources was applied – local raw materials, local labour force and local applied knowledge (protected by intellectual property rights) that is based on fundamental knowledge created by others.

Main creators of smart materials and technologies are the participants of the ecosystem conducting applied research – R&D departments of enterprises, universities and research institutes that are supported by the state as the contracting authority, selecting and defining the priority directions and industries. An important support at this stage is the state commissioned and funded applied research, involvement of business angels and venture capital, as well as the enterprises themselves channelling funds to applied research.

Applied knowledge is created by using fundamental knowledge in the economy. The main problem of fundamental knowledge – the volume of its application and its effect on the economy is unknown at the moment of its creation. Therefore, financiers allocate insignificant funds to fundamental research (high risk, unpredictable return) very often (especially in stringent economic conditions, in case of an economic, social or political crisis, or in case of premonition of crisis).

3.2 Knowledge Creators (Fundamental Knowledge)In the field of fundamental knowledge, knowledge is mainly created by institutions of higher education, which conduct research in basic industries and scientific disciplines, as well as specialized research institutes, which conduct research in specifically defined fields.

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University of Latvia (UL) – fundamental research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, astronomy, information technology, psychology, social sciences;

Riga Technical University (RTU) – fundamental research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, information technology;

Rīga Stradiņš University – fundamental research in biophysics, biochemistry, human health;

Latvia University of Agriculture (LUA) – fundamental research in biology, veterinary science;

Daugavpils University – fundamental research in biology; Ventspils University College – fundamental research in astronomy, astrophysics,

space sciences; Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre – fundamental research in molecular

biology and biomedicine; Institute of Electronics and Computer Science – fundamental research in computer

science, information and communication fields; Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis – fundamental research in organic chemistry,

molecular biology and bioorganic chemistry; Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry – fundamental research in wood chemistry; Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing – fundamental research in fruit genetics; Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology – fundamental research related to the Baltic

marine environment and ecology.

3.3 Knowledge Creators (Applied Knowledge) Higher education institutions:

o University of Latvia – applied research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, astronomy, information technology, psychology, social sciences;

o Riga Technical University – applied research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, information technology, mechanical engineering, power industry, electronics, radio engineering;

o Rīga Stradiņš University – applied research in biophysics, biochemistry, human health;

o Latvia University of Agriculture – applied research in biology, veterinary science, forestry science, agricultural sciences, food sciences, agricultural engineering;

o Daugavpils University – applied research in biology;o Ventspils University College – applied research in astronomy, astrophysics,

space sciences;o Transport and Telecommunication Institute (a private university) – applied

research on the use of smart technology and engineering in logistics and transport;

o Latvian Academy of Sport Education – applied research on the use of smart technology in elite sport;

o Rezekne Higher Education Institution – applied research in mechatronics, use of biomaterials;

o Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences – applied research in logistics information systems and radio frequency identification technology;

o Liepaja University – applied research in the field of thin film. Scientific research institutes of institutions of higher education:

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o Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia – applied research in the electronic and ionic processes in wide-bandgap materials with various structural arrangement degrees, in inorganic materials – single crystals, ceramics, glass, nanostructured surface layers for optics, electronics and renewable energy, multi-functional, hybrid and organic materials for photovoltaic elements, solar panel coatings, hydrogen storage, fuel cells, light emitting diodes (LEDs, OLEDs), photonics and organic electronics, as well as development of scientific instruments, analytical instruments and sensors for environmental monitoring, visual science, development of new technology for psychophysical research and eye care technologies;

o Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia – applied research for the use of interactions of electromagnetic fields and liquid metals in sectors such as metallurgy, semiconductor crystal growth, as well as medicine and nanotechnology;

o Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Latvia – applied research in mathematical modelling, bioinformatics, computational linguistics, visual information processing, complex system design methods and tools, semantic web technologies, quantum algorithms, control optimization mathematical models;

o Institute of Polymer Mechanics of the University of Latvia – applied research in material mechanics – research of deformation, including long-term, processes; research of mechanical integrity of materials; composite material applications in mechanical engineering and construction; composite material structural calculations; influence of external environmental factors on the mechanical properties of materials; physical methods in structural studies of material mechanics; methods of forecasting the long-term properties; non-destructive testing methods; composite material technology research;

o Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia – applied research studying Latvian natural resources and rational use of these resources, environmental and ecological problems, nature conservation, as well as plant and animal life processes and biological productivity;

o RTU – applied research in the energy and environment sectors – ensuring power supply, heat supply and transport power supply systems and stable, high-quality and optimum functioning of the elements thereof; renewable energy sources, technologies of their conversion and storage in power supply, heat supply and transport; energy efficiency of the power supply chain – production, supply and consumption sectors; climate technologies to reduce the environmental impact of power supply; analysis and planning of power systems, taking into account the technical, environmental and socio-economic aspects;

o RTU – applied research in the field of materials, technologies and processes – nanomaterial synthesis and use in the manufacture of smart materials and specific products, modification of properties of the existing materials; materials for electronics, photonics, optoelectronics and information technologies; increasing the security and strength of the traditional materials and structures, expansion of the field of their use; optimization of technological processes of production of materials and structures, from the point of view of energy and resource savings; expanded use and modification of secondary raw materials; development of environmentally friendly and economical materials and processes;

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o Research Institute of Agricultural Machinery of the Latvia University of Agriculture – applied research in the fields of agricultural equipment and technology, use of smart materials in agricultural machinery;

o Scientific Institute of Agriculture of the Latvia University of Agriculture – applied research in perennial grass breeding, agrotechnical research in the field of crop cultivation;

o Research Institute of the Latvian Maritime Academy – applied research in water transport, logistics and infrastructure.

Scientific institutes:o Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry – applied research in wood

chemistry, development of scientifically-justified, environmentally friendly low-waste technologies for production of competitive materials and products from wood and other biomass;

o Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre – applied research in molecular biology, biomedicine and biotechnology;

o Institute of Electronics and Computer Science – fundamental research in the fields of computer science, information, communications, electronic technology and engineering;

o Institute of Physical Energetics – applied research in the power sector;o Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis – applied research in organic chemistry,

molecular biology and bioorganic chemistry;o Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing – applied research in the fields of fruit-

growing and healthy food;o Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology – applied research related to the Baltic

marine environment and ecology;o Latvian State Institute of Agrarian Economics – applied research on

innovative tools and technologies for diagnostics of regional economic development;

o Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava” – applied research in forestry and forestry science;

o Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” – applied research in the evaluation of food quality and safety, veterinary medicine – assessment of infectious diseases and their risks, public health, research of fish resources and aquaculture;

o State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute – applied research in field crop biology, breeding, genetics, cultivation;

o State Stende Cereals Breeding Institute – applied research in grain cultivation, biology, breeding, genetics;

o Environment, Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Competence centre (Vides, Bioenerģētikas un Biotehnoloģijas kompetences centrs SIA) – one of the basic fields of R&D is the smart materials in collaboration with the leading Latvian players – Groglass AS and Sidrabe AS – applied research, improvement of the nano-coating application process.

3.4 Key Participants of the Area – Knowledge Users in Manufacturing Latvenergo AS, Rīgas Siltums AS, energy companies:

o smart materials for increasing the durability of equipment – smart coatings, smart lubricating materials;

o increasing efficiency – materials and technologies:

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loss reduction in power generation and transmission (friction, heat loss, electromagnetic materials);

smart energy accounting system;o supply network management technologies and engineering systems;o smart communication with customers and consumption forecasting.

Latvijas Dzelzceļš AS, transport and logistics companies:o smart materials in transport by rail;o smart technologies in the traffic flow management.

Latvijas ceļi VAS:o road construction – smart technologies and materials;o road monitoring – smart engineering systems.

State Land Service of Latvia – smart technologies for the monitoring of national land resources

Latvijas Valsts Meži AS:o smart technologies for the monitoring of forest resources;o smart technologies for monitoring the quality of forests and development

planning. Pharmaceutical companies – Grindeks AS, Olainfarm AS, Rīgas Farmācijas fabrika

AS, Silvanols SIAo medicinal products with a highly selective, targeted effect;o technologies allowing to obtain particularly pure chemicals at minimum cost;o smart engineering in waste and waste water control and processing.

National security, the military sphere:o smart materials, technologies for defence;o smart materials and technologies for control and surveillance.

Manufacturers of building materials – Latvijas Finieris AS, Sakret SIA, Tenax Grupa SIA, KNAUF SIA, Aeroc SIA, CEMEX SIA, Lode AS, POLIURS SIA, IZOTERMS SIA, GroGlass AS, Valmieras Stiklašķiedras rūpnīca AS:

o smart materials – new properties (adhesion, strength, thermal conductivity, thermal insulation, fibre-reinforced composites), use of local resources, increased strength/durability parameters, variable properties in response to external conditions;

o smart technologies – minimized energy consumption, minimized material consumption, minimized losses, adaptive, flexible production system, high degree of automation and robotisation.

Manufacturers of electronics, radio equipment and electrical products – SAF Tehnika AS, HansaMatrix AS, Lexel Fabrika SIA, Rīgas Elektromašīnbūves Rūpnīca AS, Jauda SIA:

o smart materials – reduced losses and increased efficiency in electrical and electromagnetic systems, coatings with specific targeted properties;

o smart technologies and engineering systems – adaptive, flexible production system, high degree of automation and robotisation.

o smart engineering in waste and waste water control and processing. Food producers – Food Union AS, Laima AS, Rīgas Miesnieks AS, Latvijas

Maiznieks AS, Spilva AS, Cēsu alus AS:o smart packaging – (selective protection, colour change, controlled

biodegradation, monitoring of product quality / storage term / storage conditions, etc.);

o smart food – combined properties, targeted effect, new properties;

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o smart technologies – electromagnetic treatment, ultrasonic treatment, etc., in order to obtain new products with new flavours, and other properties, for example, with an extended shelf life without adding preservatives;

o smart engineering systems – specialized sensors for production quality assessment, adaptive management system;

o smart engineering in waste and waste water control and processing. Wood industry companies – Latvijas Finieris AS, furniture manufacturers:

o smart products – wood with new properties (flexibility, resistance to external environmental effects);

o smart technologies – new wood-processing solutions – eco-friendly chemical treatment, reduced losses, an adaptive, flexible production system, high degree of automation and robotisation.

Mechanical engineering and metalworking companies – Rīgas Elektromašīnbūves rūpnīca AS, Daugavpils Lokomotīvju remonta rūpnīca AS, East Metal SIA, Rīgas Kuģu būvētava AS, Skonto plant SIA, Dinex Latvia SIA, DITTON SIA, VALPRO SIA, Baltrotors SIA, GroGlass SIA:

o smart materials – composite materials, polymetallic materials, coatings;o smart technologies – powder coating technologies, vacuum coatings,

electromagnetic treatment, ultrasonic treatment, etc., in order to obtain new products with new properties;

o smart engineering systems – energy-efficient production, planning the use of raw materials, adaptive management and production-planning system;

o smart engineering in waste and waste water control and processing. Transport companies:

o smart materials for increasing the durability of vehicles – smart coatings, smart lubricating materials;

o increasing efficiency: logistics planning, forecasting; smart control and accounting system.

Agricultural producers – farmers and foresters:o smart products – new progenitive, hardy and high-quality plant varieties and

animal species obtained through breeding;o smart products – growth promotion preparations with selective effects (feed

additives, fertilizers);o smart products – environmental and consumer friendly animal and plant

protection products (against diseases, pests, etc.);o smart technologies and engineering systems – combined processing

technologies that reduce the effect of the processed object (soil, biomass, animals, ecosystem), robotisation and automatic control, which considers interaction of the living object and technology.

Textile companies:o smart products – new composite fibres (such as amber, silver, etc. fibre with

cotton) for manufacture of textiles;o smart clothing – energy efficient, energy-transforming, energy-accumulating;o smart products – particularly materials in medicine – woven vessels, active

bandages, etc. The banking sector in Latvia:

o smart technology for communication with customers;o smart technologies and materials in customer service – smart cards, etc.

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Information technology, communication companies – Accenture, Citrus Solutions, Mobilly, Exigen Services, LMT, Lattelecom, Tilde AS:

o smart products – adaptive, flexible applications and software;o smart technologies – computational linguistics, DIY programming, adaptively

automatic control algorithms with artificial intelligence properties, cloud services – data collection, storage, processing, decision-making support systems, infographics.

In order to facilitate achievement of results and reduce the time from the research to a finished product/service, the state has set up a support system – technology and prototyping laboratories and business incubators, where production and testing of the first test piece may be carried out. The business model and commercialization concept also have to be created in the business incubators. Currently, the country lacks experimental plants for experimental small-scale production and testing of technologies. This is currently done by the enterprises themselves, using their own resources and facilities.

The state is both the main user of the results of this ecosystem, as well as the contracting authority. The main objectives, which the state has to achieve by facilitating the functioning and development of the ecosystem, are shown in Figure 1.

Nodokļu pieaugums

Nodarbinātības pieaugums

Apmierinātības pieaugums

Iedzīvotāju dzīves kvalitātes pieaugums

Vlsts kopējās attīstības pieaugums ilgtermiņā (ilgtspēja)Valsts sistēma

Vietējās zināšanas (patenti, licences, tehnoloģijas)

Vietējais darbaspēks

Vietējie resursi (īpaši atjaunīgie resursi)

Eksporta pārsvars pār importu

Budžeta pārpalikums

Figure 1. National Objectives for the Development of the Ecosystem

The state has set a target to achieve higher productivity and improve the well-being of the population. In order to ensure a more rapid development, economic structure has to be changed in favour of a greater knowledge capacity.

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3.5 Graphical Representation of Participants of the Ecosystem

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4 Human Capital Available in the Area of Smart SpecializationAssessment of the key directions of science and research important to Latvia is based on the following preconditions:

1. Use of local natural resources (renewable resources, in particular) – reduced imports, export opportunities, increased independence, possibility of autonomous operation;

2. Local labour force – proper education, skills, work culture, specialisation and training opportunities;

3. Local knowledge – sufficiently developed knowledge and scientific disciplines as a whole (starting from fundamental knowledge, followed by applied sciences and R&D departments of enterprises).

Based on the said preconditions, the most significant fields for the national economy of Latvia in the specialization of smart materials, smart technologies and engineering systems were selected:

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Raw materials Labour force Knowledge Notes2.1-Civil engineering

Smart materials Local raw materials for production of construction materials.

Local biomass – wood, grass plants (hemp, straw etc.

Progress towards the use of renewable resources)

A developed sector, required for the development of the Latvian economy –

building materials, road surface, insulation materials, constructions)

An education system, which provides for all levels of the workforce

(professional, academic)

Basic and applied research (University of Latvia, RTU,

Latvia University of Agriculture, institutes)

R&D departments of companies (Groglas, Sakret, Latvijas

Finieris, Sidrabe)

Production export, import substitution

The main problems with the implementation – time required for testing of the materials, the lengthy process of introduction (producer – architect – builder)

Smart technologies

Easily adaptable technologies in construction, using local materials

Training is required for introduction of each technology – sufficient basic education, adaptive educational

institutions when receiving orders

SidrabeAdditional funding is required

to attract researchers in the fields of automation and

robotisation

A franchise, licensing, sale of technological lines is possible in

case of success

Smart engineering

systems

Can be developed after the development of technologies

Training is required for introduction of each technology – sufficient basic education, adaptive educational

institutions when receiving orders


Latvia University of Agriculture, institutes)To ensure high-quality

development, it is necessary to attract social science

researchers

An order from someone (state, venture capital, entrepreneurs??)

- research on consideration of human subjective activity in

technologies

2.2Electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering

Smart materials Basically not available (it is possible to use wood, biomaterial (organic, etc.) research for their use in the

power industry – the future trend, current direction of science (OLED,

etc.))

Some production facilities (SAF Tehnika, Sidrabe, Valmieras Stikla šķiedra, optical fibre manufacturers,

Hanzas Elektronika grupa)Wood-processing for the needs of

electrical engineering, electronics and IT – an industry that can be developed.


Latvia University of Agriculture, institutes) –

general studies, a commission is required

R&D departments of companies (SAF Tehnika, Sidrabe,

Valmieras Stikla šķiedra, optical fibre manufacturers, Hanzas Elektronika grupa)

Users/customers – large companies in the Baltic States (Latvenergo, Eesti Energy).

Export of intellectual property rights is possible.

Smart technologies

Can be developed along with material development, can be used for

production of materials developed elsewhere

Use of local renewable resources

Sufficient basic education, adaptive educational institutions when receiving

orders

Entrepreneurs together with the science – individual orders,

commercial studies.

Attention must be paid – important for future development,

does not require a lot of import resources, especially when used together with nanotechnologies

Smart engineering

systems


Sufficient basic education, adaptive educational institutions when receiving

orders

The body of knowledge is available, a commission is

required



2.3Mechanica Smart materials Local renewable materials are Basic education, there is basis for Basic and applied research To pay closer attention to the

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l engineering available, the effect of imports is reduced by developing

nanotechnologies.Composite materials from local

resources

training, the staff has experience with the existing mechanical engineering

technologies and materials

(University of Latvia, RTU, Latvia University of

Agriculture, institutes)R&D departments of companies (Rīgas Elektromašīnu rūpnīca,

other MASOC companies, Latvijas Finieris)

research of composite materials for use in mechanical engineering

It is necessary to establish a certified system for material

inspection and testing

Smart technologies

Advanced skills in technology application

Basic education, there is basis for training, the staff has experience with the existing mechanical engineering


Additional funding is required to attract researchers in the

fields of automation and robotisation

To facilitate development of adaptive small-scale production

technologies.A flexible, automated production

line that can be quickly rearranged – the basis of modern

manufacturing.Smart

engineering systems


Basic education, there is basis for training, the staff has experience with the existing mechanical engineering





researchers



2.4Chemical engineering

Smart materials Going in the direction of nanotechnology – minimum import.

To orient research on the use of local, especially renewable, biologically

active resources

Considerable experience in manufacturing – medicinal products,

substances of chemical synthesisTrained, knowledgeable staff.

The field helps to develop education.



R&D departments of companies (Grindeks, Olainfarm, Biolar,

etc.)

Extensive experience in production of chemical

preparations (especially in relation to medicine), well-known

brands have been established (Grindeks, Olainfarm, Biolar,

etc.)To continue promotion of brands.

Smart technologies

Experience with chemical technologies, local raw material

processing technologies, biologically active chemicals

Key technologies have been tested, considerable experience – medicinal

products, substances of chemical synthesis

Trained, knowledgeable staff.The field helps to develop education.



R&D departments of companies (Grindeks, Olainfarm, Biolar,

etc.)Additional funding is required

to attract researchers in the fields of automation and

robotisation

To link technologies to knowledge exports.

Certification of the acquired materials, licensing of

technologies – export goods

Smart engineering


Key technologies have been tested, considerable experience – medicinal


To facilitate development of adaptive small-scale production

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systems products, substances of chemical synthesis

Trained, knowledgeable staff.The field helps to develop education.



researchers

technologies.A flexible, automated production

line that can be quickly rearranged – the basis of modern

manufacturing.

2.5Materials engineering

Smart materialsSmart

technologiesSmart

engineering systems

Applies to all of the above FORD categories

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4.1 Number of StudentsWhen summarising data on the number of students in accordance with the above assumptions, the following results were obtained:

In 2013, the number of students in the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems constituted 13.2% of the total number of students in Latvia.

4.2 Number of Scientific StaffThe table below sums up institutions, companies and organizations, where research work is carried out.

2012 2013 2014Number of scientific

institutions

Scientific staff

Number of scientific

institutions

Scientific staff

Number of scientific

institutions

Scientific staff

Higher education sector 62 2607 61 2348 60 2291Public sector 19 703 19 707 19 681Business sector 343 594 342 570 411 776

Total: 424 3904 422 3625 490 3748* Source: Central Statistical Bureau

As the table shows, the number of companies carrying out research work is growing every year, which points at positive trends in the achievement of the RIS3 overarching objective (investments in R&D&I amounting to 1.5% of GDP in 2020).

In view of the prevailing trend in the Latvian science – part-time work of R&D staff, an indicative calculation of the number of staff working in the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems was carried out.

The workload of the staff of institutions of higher education in R&D is an average of 45%, in public research institutions – an average of 74%, in commercial entities – an average of 59%. When preparing a recalculation, using workload and publicly available data, the following numbers of R&D employees were obtained in various disciplines related to smart materials, technologies and engineering systems:

Discipline Number of employeesIn

institutionIn public research

institutionsIn commercial

entities

16

s of higher education

Natural sciences 2091 804 508Engineering and tehnology 2340 202 847Medical and health sciences 641 26 508Agricultural and veterinary sciences

223 436 478

Total 5294 1468 2341

Given the fact that not all R&D employees of the said disciplines are employed in the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems, the next table shows the number of employees working in the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems:

Discipline Number of employeesIn institutions of

higher education

In public research institutions In commercial entities

Natural sciences 1045 402 381Engineering and tehnology

1755 151 805

Medical and health sciences

128 5 381

Agricultural and veterinary sciences

111 218 430

Total 3040 777 1997Total, 2014/2015 5813

5 Results of the International Assessment of the Scientific Institutions Working in the Area

The area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems is quite extensive and covers many areas of knowledge. Therefore, experts recognised 12 fundamental knowledge institutions and 33 applied knowledge institutions as significant in terms of R&D. In total, there are 31 institutions that are significant for the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems, according to the expert assessment. Forty of these institutions1 were included in the independent international assessment of 2014 carried out by “Technopolis Group”. International assessors have conducted a large-scale assessment of Latvian research, development and innovation system as a whole, and about 150 individual scientific institutes. Five assessment criteria were set, namely, the quality of research, the influence of the institute’s research on the industry, economic and social impact, research environment and infrastructure as well as development potential. Each criterion was assessed with 1-5 points (5 points being the best result). Conclusions were made and recommendations for further action were given after the overall average assessment. The assessment of the said institutions in the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems is the following:

5 points (excellent, the institution is a global leader) – 1 institution:

1 The major institutions of higher education, namely, University of Latvia, RTU, and Latvia University of Agriculture, were not assessed as a whole – separate research units (faculties, departments, institutes) were assessed. To overall assessment of research units, which are important to the particular area, are presented here.

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o Institute of Organic Synthesis;4 points (very good, the institution is a powerful international player) – 7 institutions:

o Ventspils University College (Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre);o Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre;o Institute of Electronics and Computer Science; o Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry;o Transport and Telecommunication Institute;o Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia; o Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”;

3 points (good, the institution is a strong national player with international recognition) – 7 institutions:

o University of Latvia (except for the assessments of institutes that were included here separately)

o Rīga Stradiņš University (Medical department)o Daugavpils University (biology);o Liepaja University;o Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Latvia;o Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”;o State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute;

2 points (Satisfactory, the institution is a satisfactory national player) – 10 institutions;o Riga Technical Universityo Latvia University of Agriculture (biology and veterinary departments);o Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing;o Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology;o Rezekne Higher Education Institution (Engineering specialization)o Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia; o Institute of Polymer Mechanics of the University of Latvia;o Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia;o Institute of Physical Energetics;o Latvian State Institute of Agrarian Economics;

1 point (weak, the institution is a weak national player) – 5 institutions;o Latvian Academy of Sport Education;o Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences;o Research Institute of Agricultural Machinery of the Latvia University of Agriculture;o Scientific Institute of Agriculture of the Latvia University of Agriculture;o State Stende Cereals Breeding Institute;

The average assessment of the scientific institutions in the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems is 3.

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Research Quality

Impact on the scientific discipline

Economic and social impact Research env. and infrastructure

Development potential

0

5

The Average Assessment of Scientific Institutes in the Area of Smart Mater-

ials, Technologies and Engineering Systems

6 Industry Indicators in the Area of SpecializationWhen identifying the participants of the area in accordance of NACE codes, the following participation in the field of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems was used in the description of the ecosystem:

NACE Economic sector C 16 Manufacture of wood and of products of wood

and cork, except furniture; manufacture of straw and plaiting materials

C 20 Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products C 23 Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral

products C 25 Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except

machinery and equipment C 26 Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical

products C 27 Manufacture of electrical equipment C 28 Manufacture of machinery and equipment C 29 Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-

trailers

6.1 Sector Turnover Sector turnover (net turnover, million EUR)

Field/year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Smart materials, technologies and engineering systems 2543.7 3352.8 4242.9 4818.2 4560.9

CSB (Central Statistical Bureau) data, calculation of “Fidea” SIA

6.2 Sectoral Export Performance Sectoral exports (exports, thousand EUR)

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Field/year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013Smart materials, technologies and engineering systems

1,570,255

2,130,897

2,549,993

2,963,269

2,797,122

CSB data, calculation of “Fidea” SIA

6.3 Sectoral Investments in R&DIn 2014, compared to 2013, the funding for research and development in Latvia increased by 0.08% and amounted to 0.68% of GDP. On average, R&D investment in Europe accounted for 2.01% of GDP in 2013.

In 2014, 162.8 million euro were invested in research in Latvia, where foreign funding accounted for the largest share – 44.2% of total funding for research works, 27.8% – business financing, 25.6% – state funding, but 2.4% – funding of institutions of higher education. It should be noted that the business enterprise R&D expenditure (BERD) of Latvia constituted 0.17% of GDP in 2013, which is significantly lower than the EU average – 1.28% of GDP.

Expenditure for research work in the business sector increased by 47% in 2014, compared to 2013, and it is related to the fact that companies channel more of their own capital for the financing of research work and foreign fund raising in the funding of company research work. Data on research costs in the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems are not available separately.

6.4 Number of Innovative Enterprises in the Particular AreaInnovation Scoreboard 2015 indicator SMEs introducing product or process innovations as percentage of SMEs establishes the proportion of innovative SMEs that have introduced new or improved products or production processes from the total number of SMEs (technological innovation). According to the Innovation Scoreboard 2015 data, the proportion of Latvian innovative SMEs that have introduced new or improved products or production processes constitutes 15.7% from the total number of SMEs (EU – 30.6%).

According to the CSB’s latest innovation survey data, an average of only 30.4% of Latvian enterprises (EU average – 52%) were innovative during the period from 2010 to 2012. Innovation survey data suggest that the average proportion of innovatively active enterprises in the services sectors is 31.4% of the total number of enterprises in the respective group, while in the manufacturing industry – 29.6% of the total number of enterprises in the respective group. However, when analysing the innovation performance by sectors, it can be concluded that there is a number of sectors in Latvia, where the proportion of innovative enterprises is higher than or close to the EU average, and the proportion of innovative enterprises is higher than 50% of the total number of enterprises.

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Proportion of Innovatively Active Enterprises in the Manufacturing Industry Sectors 2010–2012 (%) Source: CSB

Wood-processing

Light industry

Other fields of the manufacturing industry

Manufacture of food and beverages

Chemical industry and related industries

Manufacture of machinery and equipment

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

16.3170163170163

19.5402298850575

23.6111111111111

29.6296296296296

30.2

32.5842696629214

33.1325301204819

34.6534653465347

50.4

52.9411764705882

65.9574468085106

7 Goals of the Smart Specialization Area Knowledge specialization areas are divided according to the goal pursued:

1. Industry and applied research – supported knowledge specialization areas aimed at significantly increasing the number of specialists and increase their competence in the industry and applied research;

2. Ability to conduct research of common interest – supported knowledge specialization areas aimed at building the capacity of the existing professionals and their renewal, primarily focusing on quality;

3. Fundamental research and excellence – supported knowledge specialization areas aimed at achieving excellence in the existing volume of specialists, with a significant focus on quality and research challenges in the fundamental science.

7.1 Industry and Applied ResearchSome innovators and engineers can ensure a significant increase in the said industries, creating innovative products to improve the profitability of individual enterprises. It is assumed that industry growth is ensured in these areas, resulting in a significant influx of specialists. For example, providing electronics or IT enterprises with high-quality professionals, they can create more knowledge-intensive, high value-added products that will lead to significant economic growth through the enterprise’s success.

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Constituent areas of knowledge:

7.2 Ability to Conduct Research of Common InterestIndividual groups of scientists can have a great impact on economic results, when engaging in projects of common interest.

For example, development of forestry can significantly increase the amount of resources available, but there is no need for a forestry specialist in each enterprise, since knowledge and projects are projects of common interest.

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ResultsTasksGoalsIndustry and applied research

The absorption capacity of the

industry

Number of innovative employees working in

the industry

R&D jobs

Applied research aimed at individual

innovation

Capacity and number of researchers in

research organizations

Cooperation with the industry

1.2 Computer and information sciences

2.2 Electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering

2.3 Mechanical engineering

2.4 Chemical engineering

2.5 Materials engineering

2.10 Nano-technology


7.3 Fundamental research and ExcellenceExcellence is required in the existing volume, with a significant focus on quality and research challenges in the fundamental science.


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ResultsTasksGoalsAbility to conduct

research of common interest

Industry expertise in cooperation with

research organizations

Industry expertise. Renewal of the

number of highly qualified experts

Applied research of common interest

Effective excellence groups

1.4 Chemical sciences

ResultsTasksGoalsScientific excellence as a

challenge and talent attraction

Focus means to create excellent research groups

World-renowned scientific excellence-oriented

groups, researchers and research

Ability to create a strong base of teachers ensuring the quality and prestige of

education

Excellence groups create internationally networked

human resources for applied research

1.1 Mathematics

1.3 Physics

1.4 Chemical sciences

1.6 Biological sciences

There is a single main policy goal in all areas of smart specialization – the total number of research and development jobs. The number of R&D jobs demonstrates the volume of R&D activities/product.

Individual programmes can set autonomous goals related to ensuring environmental factors for achieving the RIS3 objectives, and the project complies with the RIS3 when it complies with the specific task.

The goals, objectives and needs of the area of smart materials, technologies and engineering systems arise from the approach to focus on use of local resources – the use of raw materials, labour, and knowledge by promoting the production of smart materials for both local consumption (replacing imports) and exports, as well as exports of the smart technologies and engineering systems created (exports of knowledge and skills).

Promotion of the development of applied knowledge and improvement of the prestige and quality of technical knowledge acquisition, as well as recognition of the sector as a national priority and a subsequent increase in the EU and national funding in this sector will involve new players to the sector.

RIS3 OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE INDICATORS

Base value 2017 2020 Data source

Investment in R&D&I (% of GDP) 0.6 (2013) 1.2 1.5 CSB

Position in the European Innovation Union Scoreboard

modest (2013)

moderate follower EC

Productivity in manufacturing industry (EUR per 1 employee)

20,126 (2013)

24,500 29,000 CSB/MoE

RIS3 MACRO-LEVEL INDICATORS Base value 2017 2020 Data sourcePrivate sector investment in R&D&I (% of the total investment)

21.8 (2013)

46 48 CSB

Proportion of innovative enterprises (% of the total number of enterprises)

30.4 (2012)

35 40 CSB

Proportion of high- and medium-high-tech sectors in Latvian exports of goods (%)

23.8 (2012)

27 31 CSB/MoE

Number of scientific staff in R&D (public and private sectors)

5593 (2013)

6300 7000 CSB

A smaller number of stronger publicly funded research institutions

42 (2013)

30 20 MoES/SEQS

Proportion of graduates (ISCED level 5 and 6) in the STEM fields from the total number of graduates, %

19 (2012)

25 27 MoES

Monitoring micro-level indicators

License/patent income of scientific institutions (EUR); Enterprise co-financing of R&D projects (EUR); Number of enterprises that have received aid for the introduction of new

products/technologies; Enterprise’s turnover from commercialization of research results of their

implementation in economic activity;

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New enterprises (spin-off) established by scientific institutions Number of newly established enterprises that have received support; Number of new scientists that have received support for their post-doctoral research; The newly created jobs, including those, in which the research staff is employed in the

public sector / business sector; Funding raised by approved H2020 project applications (LV part; EUR); Scientific articles published in international databases (Scopus, Web of Science); Employees trained; Number of master’s and doctoral students involved in R&I projects.

(Source: Informative report “Smart Specialization Strategy Monitoring System”)7.4 Niches of the Area of Smart Materials, Technologies and Engineering Systems

Implant materials; Composite materials; Thin layers and coatings; Equipment; Machinery and machine tools; Glass fibre products; Smart fiberglass-based materials.

7.5 Current Key Obstacles in the Industry

Lack of political will and boldness of the national system in defining key supported areas of the national economy related to intelligent materials, technologies and engineering systems;

Insufficient funding (both from the financial sector and the state) to support research (aging scientific staff in the field of engineering, low wages, uncertain future trends);

Insufficient funding (both from the financial sector and the state) for the support of new ideas and related finances of enterprises;

Slow progress in creating the legislative framework – uncertainty about the future, limits, regulation of the industry;

Lack of free funds for entrepreneurs to ensure R&D activities; Lack of coordination and interaction between science and enterprises – different

objectives, lack of information about one another.

8 Discussions Participants of the discussions believe that an overly narrow specialization is not

useful in a country with a small number of human resources. It is important to create mutual synergies between projects and specializations, for example, smart materials and smart power engineering should be mentioned together;

The MoES mentions institutions of higher education as the knowledge centres of each ecosystem, where a diverse knowledge base is being created in all fields of science, focusing research in the areas of knowledge with the greatest potential for development; enhanced innovation capacity of enterprises; human capital is being created, which is rooted in Latvia and globally connected (R&D) at the same time; in order to achieve these goals, resources are attracted from a variety of sources, cooperation networks are created, including cooperation with other regional universities;

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Representatives of scientific institutes indicate that not all knowledge has to be concentrated in higher education institutions, since the major scientific institutes have developed their own specialization and knowledge base;

Currently, higher education institutions provide their students with general and broad knowledge, without going in-depth. Human resources should be increased in terms of quality, therefore teachers should spend much more time proportionally on science and less time on study work;

Discussion participants acknowledge that one of the biggest future potentials is students, especially in the development of new business incubators and creation of cooperation networks;

Discussion participants indicate that the national specialization exclusively on Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of final stages is not prospective, since TRL 1-5 are very important for the development of new innovations. Innovation must be of high quality to be able to develop.

Specialization: Scientific institutions’ offer for the selection of specific niches: implant materials, composite materials, thin layers and coatings. Enterprise offer – equipment (including electrical equipment), machinery and machine tools.

Research: The scientific excellence of Latvia actually helps to satisfy the needs of the developed countries of Europe, using Latvian resources, but without bearing any financial benefit for Latvia. Recommendation to create a “Millennium” programme, where an outstanding scientific institution is awarded a grant through a public tender for 3-4 years to achieve specific objectives and results, including creation of new science-based enterprises in accordance with the strategy developed by the institution. Scientists lack incentives to cooperate with enterprises. It is necessary to increase activity in applied science and to develop cooperation between scientists and entrepreneurs in application and implementation of Horizon 2020 projects.

Human resources: Scientific staff aging in scientific institutes, anticipated lack of qualified human resources in the future; poor knowledge of pupils and students in STEM areas, insufficient number of budget places in STEM fields; lack of involvement of students and academic staff in business and insufficient number of scientific staff working in enterprises. It is necessary to increase funding for education, with an emphasis on compulsory acquisition of scientific subjects. ESF support should be continued in education, especially in ensuring placement opportunities for vocational and higher education students. For academic and scientific staff to identify problems and needs of entrepreneurs, ESF support should be organized in the form of grants for creative leave and exchange of experience of doctoral students and academic staff, their part-time work in enterprises. Support must be planned for doctoral and post-doctoral programs in form of individual grants, as well as for development of study programmes for training of industrial doctors, qualified engineers and experts.

Infrastructure: Lack of shared centres for industrial and experimental research, technology transfer and development of new spin-off enterprises. Proposal to establish open testing laboratories that would serve as the basis for cooperation with enterprises. It is necessary to use the purchased research equipment in scientific institutions in an efficient and targeted manner, which requires competent staff and funding for equipment maintenance.

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Entrepreneurship: Industry lacks enterprises working with smart materials and able to invest in innovation; the market of Latvia is too small, acquisition of external markets and research globalization are required. Recommendation to establish creation of new enterprises, growth of productivity in the sector, industry funding for science as performance indicators of the industry.

9 Reference Sources:1. Guidelines for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 2014–2020

(Cabinet Resolution No. 685 of 28.12.2013)2. National Industrial Policy Guidelines for 2013-2020 (Cabinet Resolution No. 282 of

28.06.2013);3. Guidelines for the Facilitation of Exports of Goods and Services of Latvia and

Attraction of Foreign Investment for 2013-2019 (Cabinet Resolution No. 249 of 17.06.2013)

4. Informative Report “Regarding the Progress in Developing the Action Plan for Implementation of the Guidelines for the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation 2014–2020, including the Smart Specialization Strategy Action Plan and a Description of the Result Indicator System” (adopted at the Cabinet meeting of 21.10.2014);

5. Informative Report “Regarding the Implementation of the Structural Reforms in Latvian Science Sector until July 1, 2015” (adopted at the Cabinet meeting of 19.08.2014);

6. Draft Informative Report “Smart Specialization Strategy Monitoring System” (announced SSS on 4 June 2015, SSS minutes No. 22, Paragraph 18);

7. Information available on the website of the State Education Development Agency regarding RIS3 and discussion cycles organised in the framework thereof: http://viaa.gov.lv/lat/zinatnes_inovacijas_progr/viedas_specializacijas_iev/vieda_specializacija_jaunumi/

8. Database of the Central Statistical Bureau.

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Documents

Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions - …cfla.gov.lv/userfiles/files/1111_Ecosystem - Smart... · Web viewWood-processing for the needs of electrical engineering, electronics