On 8 October 2026, the Forestry Industry Day will take place at the University of Latvia (LU) House of Science – an event that will bring together students, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry experts and representatives of state institutions in one place to discuss development opportunities, current challenges and the innovation potential of the forest sector.

The Forestry Industry Day is part of the LU Industry Days initiative, which creates an interdisciplinary cooperation platform between students, researchers, entrepreneurs and state institutions. Each event is dedicated to a specific sector to foster cooperation, address current challenges and promote the development of innovation.

This time, the focus will be on one of the most important sectors for the Latvian economy – forestry and the timber industry. During the event, participants will become acquainted with the latest developments in the sector, discuss economic, sustainability and policy issues, and seek solutions for closer cooperation between the academic environment and the industry.

AS “Latvijas Finieris” notes: “The forest and related industries occupy a significant place in the country's economy and have high export potential. At present, what is most lacking is understanding and action for the common public good – a clear legal framework for land policy in Latvia is needed to increase the nation's prosperity while simultaneously protecting nature. The truth must be debated in scientific discussion platforms, not in political and social media campaigns. We must look for solutions for development and innovation together. We must responsibly accumulate and invest capital for future value creation.”

AS “Latvijas valsts meži” emphasises: “A sustainable forest sector is unthinkable without close cooperation between science, education and entrepreneurship. It is knowledge-based decisions, research and innovation that help to create new solutions in the bioeconomy, increase the efficiency of forest management and strengthen Latvia's competitiveness. AS “Latvijas valsts meži” has been purposefully investing in research and cooperation with universities and scientific institutions for many years, because we believe that future solutions are born in dialogue and joint work. Therefore, the Forestry Industry Day is a great opportunity to inspire the younger generation, build new partnerships and think together about the long-term development of the forest sector.”

The event programme includes presentations by industry professionals, panel discussions and practical activities. The event will be opened by LU representatives and cooperation partners. Throughout the day, participants will be able to learn about the work of the LU Innovation and Acceleration Centre, as well as the experience and vision of the Latvian Forest Industry Federation and the Forest Owners' Association regarding the future of the sector.

Visitors will have the opportunity to become acquainted with LU economic and legal research and its results, hear panel discussions on the challenges and development opportunities of the forest sector, and hear a summary of the views of representatives of state institutions on what was discussed during the day regarding the economic, social and sustainability aspects that affect the development of the sector. At the end of the day, students will present their solutions to the industry's challenges in a practical workshop, and those interested will have the opportunity to take a tour of the LU laboratories.

The goal of Industry Day is to strengthen cooperation between the higher education and research sector, companies and the public sector, while simultaneously giving students the opportunity to gain practical experience, build professional contacts and develop ideas together with industry experts.

Participation in the event is free of charge, with prior registration.

The event is organised by the University of Latvia Innovation and Acceleration Centre in cooperation with AS “Latvijas Finieris” and AS “Latvijas valsts meži” within the framework of the European Regional Development Fund co-funded project No. 1.1.1.7/1/25/A/005 “University of Latvia Innovation Grants for Students”.