Knowledge-intensive bio-economy

Success in the knowledge-intensive bio-economy stems from a synergy of science and industry. It integrates sustainable practices in forestry, wood processing, agriculture, and fisheries, along with advancements in biotechnology and innovative food production, to generate high value-added outcomes.

Latvia’s knowledge-intensive bio-economy is driven by centres of excellence such as the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC), the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry (LVKĶI) and academic programmes at institutions such as the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), the University of Latvia (LU) and Riga Technical University (RTU). Knowledge-intensive bio-economy involves the sustainable use of renewable biological resources through scientific innovation to create economic value in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy and manufacturing. It emphasises biotechnology, interdisciplinary research and the development of environmentally friendly bio-based products and services.

For more information, please visit investinlatvia.org | Key sectors – Bioeconomy

Industry focus to modernize its traditional sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and food production by integrating knowledge from biotechnology, sustainable resource management and cross-sectoral innovation to produce higher-value bio-based products and services:

• Forestry and Biomass

  Latvia has about 3.3 million hectares of forest, which is a significant source of biomass.
  The forestry sector is a major contributor to Latvia’s bioeconomy, focusing on sustainable forest management and the development of innovative wood products.

• Agricultural Land and Biomass Production

  Latvia has a high potential of agricultural land per capita, approximately 1.04 hectares, conducive to biomass production. The total agricultural area in Latvia is approximately 1.97 million hectares, representing 30.5% of Latvia’s territory. Of this, 14.5% is organically farmed.
  The agricultural sector is being modernized through the integration of biotechnologies, plant breeding, crop diversification, and sustainable horticultural practices.

• Biomass from Agricultural, Animal, and Fish By-Products

  Latvia has significant potential for biomass production from agricultural, animal, and fish by-products. Animal by-products account for about 6% of total biogas production in Latvia.

• Biotechnologies, including biorefining and others

  Latvia is focusing on the application of biotechnologies for the production of bio-based chemicals, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics and other innovative bioproducts from biomass and biomass by-products.

  Latvia’s rapidly advancing biorefinery ecosystem focuses on biotechnologies to create a sustainable bioeconomy, emphasizing biomass conversion, bio-based products, collaboration among 22 entities, significant economic contributions, sustainability goals, and attracting major investments.