Tomorrow, 12 November 2026, the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will host the regional conference “Bioeconomy research results for regional development”, where economists, researchers, entrepreneurs, local government representatives, and members of the forestry sector will discuss the economic development of Kurzeme, the contribution of the forest and related sectors to the regional economy, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the sustainable management of Latvia’s natural resources.
The conference in Ventspils is part of a cycle of regional conferences aimed at introducing the public and decision-makers to the latest findings in bioeconomy research, fostering discussion on the economic potential of Latvia’s regions, and strengthening understanding of the role of the forest sector in the national economy.
In Kurzeme, the forest sector and related businesses play a significant role in the region’s economic development. Forestry, timber processing, transport, and logistics services form an interconnected economic ecosystem that provides jobs, generates export revenue, and stimulates business activity even outside the region’s major hubs. At the same time, there is an increasing need to evaluate how Latvia’s natural resources can be used more effectively, creating higher added value while ensuring their availability for future generations.
“Bioeconomy is not just a question of how many resources are available in Latvia. It is essential to understand what value we can create with these resources and how our decisions today will affect regional development in the future. Kurzeme has strong traditions in timber processing, developed entrepreneurship, and significant potential for producing higher value-added products. To harness this potential, a long-term approach is needed, where decisions regarding land and forest resource management are based on data, economic calculations, and an understanding of their impact on society,” emphasises Sigita Alksne, representative of the association “Latvijas Koks”.
The conference will explore research on the economic development of Kurzeme and the socio-economic impact of the forest and related sectors. Particular attention will be paid to how the forest sector influences employment, business development, and income generation in the region, as well as opportunities to increase the efficiency of local resource use.
The discussions will also cover land-use choices and their long-term consequences. In Latvia, decisions about land management are often viewed from the perspective of individual sector interests; however, regional development requires a broader outlook that simultaneously takes into account economic, social, and environmental aspects.
The aim of the conference is to foster dialogue between researchers, entrepreneurs, local governments, and policymakers so that research findings can become a practically applicable basis for regional development planning and decision-making.
The conference will take place on 12 November (starting at 10:00) at the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Ventspils, Inženieru iela 101.
The event is organised by the association “Latvijas Koks” in collaboration with the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, with support from the Forest Development Fund.
Entrepreneurs, local government representatives, researchers, students, forestry professionals, and anyone interested in the economic development of Kurzeme and Latvia is invited to register for the conference.
Register and find out more: https://latforin.lv/lv/regionalaskonferences