Analytical description of the ecosystem ofsmart specialization area “Smart materials, technologies and engineering systems”


Table of Contents

1Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions

1.1Aim of the Smart Specialization Strategy

1.2Smart Specialization Strategy

1.3Definition of the Field of Ecosystem

1.4Methodology

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

3Description of the Key Participants of the Area

3.1Key Participants

3.2Knowledge Creators (Fundamental Knowledge)

3.3Knowledge Creators (Applied Knowledge)

3.4Key Participants of the Area – Knowledge Users in Manufacturing

3.5Graphical Representation of Participants of the Ecosystem

4Human Capital Available in the Area of Smart Specialization

4.1Number of Students

4.2Number of Scientific Staff

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

6Industry Indicators in the Area of Specialization

6.1Sector Turnover

6.2Sectoral Export Performance

6.3Sectoral Investments in R&D

6.4Number of Innovative Enterprises in the Particular Area

7Goals of the Smart Specialization Area

7.1Industry and Applied Research

7.2Ability to Conduct Research of Common Interest

7.3Fundamental research and Excellence

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

7.5Current Key Obstacles in the Industry

8Discussions

9Reference Sources:

1Overall Information of the Ecosystem Descriptions

1.1Aim 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.

1.2Smart Specialization Strategy

To 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.

1.3Definition of the Field of Ecosystem

The 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 intotechnologiesor it may be uncoded –tacit knowledge, transferred in direct contact and through a discussion amongthe 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.

1.4Methodology

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

2Regulatory 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.

3Description of the Key Participants of the Area

3.1Key Participants

The 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).

3.2Knowledge 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.

  • 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.

3.3Knowledge Creators (Applied Knowledge)

  • Higher education institutions:
  • University of Latvia – applied research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, astronomy, information technology, psychology, social sciences;
  • Riga Technical University – applied research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, information technology, mechanical engineering, power industry, electronics, radio engineering;
  • Rīga Stradiņš University – applied research in biophysics, biochemistry, human health;
  • Latvia University of Agriculture – applied research in biology, veterinary science, forestry science, agricultural sciences, food sciences, agricultural engineering;
  • Daugavpils University – applied research in biology;
  • Ventspils University College – applied research in astronomy, astrophysics, space sciences;
  • Transport and Telecommunication Institute (a private university) – applied research on the use of smart technology and engineering in logistics and transport;
  • Latvian Academy of Sport Education – applied research on the use of smart technology in elite sport;
  • Rezekne Higher Education Institution – applied research in mechatronics, use of biomaterials;
  • Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences – applied research in logistics information systems and radio frequency identification technology;
  • Liepaja University – applied research in the field of thin film.
  • Scientific research institutes of institutions of higher education:
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • Scientific Institute of Agriculture of the Latvia University of Agriculture – applied research in perennial grass breeding, agrotechnical research in the field of crop cultivation;
  • Research Institute of the Latvian Maritime Academy – applied research in water transport, logistics and infrastructure.
  • Scientific institutes:
  • 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;
  • Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre – applied research in molecular biology, biomedicine and biotechnology;
  • Institute of Electronics and Computer Science – fundamental research in the fields of computer science, information, communications, electronic technology and engineering;
  • Institute of Physical Energetics – applied research in the power sector;
  • Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis – applied research in organic chemistry, molecular biology and bioorganic chemistry;
  • Latvia State Institute of Fruit-Growing – applied research in the fields of fruit-growing and healthy food;
  • Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology – applied research related to the Baltic marine environment and ecology;
  • Latvian State Institute of Agrarian Economics – applied research on innovative tools and technologies for diagnostics of regional economic development;
  • Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava” – applied research in forestry and forestry science;
  • 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;
  • State Priekuli Plant Breeding Institute – applied research in field crop biology, breeding, genetics, cultivation;
  • State Stende Cereals Breeding Institute – applied research in grain cultivation, biology, breeding, genetics;
  • Environment, Bioenergetics and Biotechnology Competence centre (Vides, Bioenerģētikas unBiotehnoloģijas 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.

3.4Key Participants of the Area – Knowledge Users in Manufacturing

  • Latvenergo AS, Rīgas Siltums AS, energy companies:
  • smart materials for increasing the durability of equipment – smart coatings, smart lubricating materials;
  • increasing efficiency – materials and technologies:
  • loss reduction in power generation and transmission (friction, heat loss, electromagnetic materials);
  • smart energy accounting system;
  • supply network management technologies and engineering systems;
  • smart communication with customers and consumption forecasting.
  • Latvijas Dzelzceļš AS, transport and logistics companies:
  • smart materials in transport by rail;
  • smart technologies in the traffic flow management.
  • Latvijas ceļi VAS:
  • road construction – smart technologies and materials;
  • road monitoring – smart engineering systems.
  • State Land Service of Latvia – smart technologies for the monitoring of national land resources
  • Latvijas Valsts Meži AS:
  • smart technologies for the monitoring of forest resources;
  • smart technologies for monitoring the quality of forests and development planning.
  • Pharmaceutical companies – Grindeks AS, Olainfarm AS, Rīgas Farmācijas fabrika AS, Silvanols SIA
  • medicinal products with a highly selective, targeted effect;
  • technologies allowing to obtain particularly pure chemicals at minimum cost;
  • smart engineering in waste and waste water control and processing.
  • National security, the military sphere:
  • smart materials, technologies for defence;
  • 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:
  • 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;
  • 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:
  • smart materials – reduced losses and increased efficiency in electrical and electromagnetic systems, coatings with specific targeted properties;
  • smart technologies and engineering systems – adaptive, flexible production system, high degree of automation and robotisation.
  • 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:
  • smart packaging – (selective protection, colour change, controlled biodegradation, monitoring of product quality / storage term / storage conditions, etc.);
  • smart food – combined properties, targeted effect, new properties;
  • 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;
  • smart engineering systems – specialized sensors for production quality assessment, adaptive management system;
  • smart engineering in waste and waste water control and processing.
  • Wood industry companies – Latvijas Finieris AS, furniture manufacturers:
  • smart products – wood with new properties (flexibility, resistance to external environmental effects);
  • 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:
  • smart materials – composite materials, polymetallic materials, coatings;
  • smart technologies – powder coating technologies, vacuum coatings, electromagnetic treatment, ultrasonic treatment, etc., in order to obtain new products with new properties;
  • smart engineering systems – energy-efficient production, planning the use of raw materials, adaptive management and production-planning system;
  • smart engineering in waste and waste water control and processing.
  • Transport companies:
  • smart materials for increasing the durability of vehicles – smart coatings, smart lubricating materials;
  • increasing efficiency:
  • logistics planning, forecasting;
  • smart control and accounting system.
  • Agricultural producers – farmers and foresters:
  • smart products – new progenitive, hardy and high-quality plant varieties and animal species obtained through breeding;
  • smart products – growth promotion preparations with selective effects (feed additives, fertilizers);
  • smart products – environmental and consumer friendly animal and plant protection products (against diseases, pests, etc.);
  • 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:
  • smart products – new composite fibres (such as amber, silver, etc. fibre with cotton) for manufacture of textiles;
  • smart clothing – energy efficient, energy-transforming, energy-accumulating;
  • smart products – particularly materials in medicine – woven vessels, active bandages, etc.
  • The banking sector in Latvia:
  • smart technology for communication with customers;
  • smart technologies and materials in customer service – smart cards, etc.
  • Information technology, communication companies – Accenture, Citrus Solutions, Mobilly, Exigen Services, LMT, Lattelecom, Tilde AS:
  • smart products – adaptive, flexible applications and software;
  • 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.