Latvia’s Readiness to Adopt Future Technology

This article includes reflections and results from some research studies on Latvia’s readiness to adopt latest global technology trends. It briefly reflects on the current situation and the challenges of the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Latvia. It recommends better use of ICT tools and solutions to enable Latvia’s faster economic growth. The article is limited to ICT solutions and tools and the supporting infrastructure. Extensive literature review and statistical data analyses are used for preparation of the recommendations. Main sources of the data are material from the World Economic Forum, surveys on global ICT development by various international organizations, the local (Latvian) ICT tools/solutions penetration survey, data from Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia and material prepared by Latvian Investment and Development Agency. Most widely used was also information gathered from focus group interviews and various data analyses. The main conclusion of the study is that many organizations, especially companies operating in the small business sector in Latvia currently underestimate the benefits of implementation of ICT tools and solutions. Latvia’s ICT infrastructure is well developed and serves as a solid base for more efficient use of ICT solutions and tools. That ICT is a driver of economic growth is evident from a variety of data, surveys and case studies discussed in the paper.