Season 5
Build Fast, Fund Smart, Fight Differently - Shaping the Defence Technology Landscape
Season 4
How do defence planners navigate the dilemma between investing in next-generation technologies versus proven, traditional capabilities—and what are the risks of overcommitting to either path? What role should data infrastructure (e.g. battlefield cloud, satellite links, secure 5G) play in shaping the next generation of defence capabilities—and what are the risks of digital fragility? In a world where brute-force deterrence still matters, how should defence planners weigh investments in heavy, conventional assets versus sleek, next-generation technologies that promise speed, precision, and autonomy? We see a surge of investment flowing into defence tech, but with governments remaining the primary — and often only — customer, is there a risk of a bubble forming? Tomass Pildegovičs, Advisor to the Minister on Security and Societal Resilience, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Armands Meirans, Head of R&D, LMT Defence Timothy McGuire, European Lead - H4D, Common Mission Project Warren Low, Command, Control, and Communications Policies, Capabilities, and Industry Manager, NATO HQ SACT Uģis Norītis, Undersecretary of State for Planning, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia
Fostering the 5G ecosystem. Preparing for 6G with a vision and future use cases. Looking at research, infrastructure investment and the regulatory framework.
Applications of XR Technologies in Tourism – virtual tours, interactive exhibits, and location-based mixed-reality applications. How digital twins enable cultural preservation efforts, remote access to heritage sites, and virtual restoration projects that safeguard cultural heritage. The importance of collaboration and partnerships between stakeholders in the XR ecosystem, including government agencies, cultural institutions, technology providers, content creators, and tourism operators. Technological challenges – hardware limitations, network bandwidth constraints, computational requirements, and data interoperability challenges that impact the development and deployment of immersive experiences and digital replicas. Speakers: Marios Nicolaou, Commercial Director, p-NET Leslie Shannon, Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting, Nokia Ioannis Markopoulos, EU & International Business Development Director, NOVA ICT Ali Hantal, Executive Co-Director, Open AR Cloud Association Spyros Denazis, Professor, University of Patras
Short overview of Remote Operating Centres – benefits and potential use-cases of the technology. Technological challenges of establishing Remote Operating Centres. Regulatory considerations in establishing Remote Operating Centres. What kind of regulatory frameworks are there already and what should regulatory agencies be working on in the future? The role of 5G and high-speed connectivity in enabling remote control and reduced manning capabilities in the maritime industry. Overview and plans of the joint research project between the Riga Freeport (Latvia), St. John’s Port (Canada) and Plymouth Port (United Kingdom) in establishing a joint testbed environment for Remote Operating Centres. Speakers: Rob Watson, Founder & Director, On The Layline Limited Ansis Zeltins, CEO, Freeport of Riga Authority Andre Burgess, Partnerships lead, Assured Autonomy, National Physical Laboratory Kelley Santos, Director, The Launch, Marine Institute (Memorial University of Newfoundland) Arturs Lindenbergs, Head of Innovations Development Division, LMT John (Mac) McDonald, Head of Marine Operations Group, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Examination of existing funding programs, grants, and incentives aimed at supporting digital innovation and technology adoption in European industries. The effectiveness of existing funding mechanisms and exploring potential areas for improvement. The importance of funding in driving digital innovation and fostering growth within European industries. How access to funding can enable startups, SMEs, and larger enterprises to develop innovative products and services. The key buyers and adopters of innovative technologies within Europe and exploration of the ultimate goal of nurturing startups into unicorns. Analysis of the common challenges and failures faced by startups in the scale-up phase. Metrics and methodologies for evaluating the impact of funding initiatives on digital innovation outcomes, such as job creation, economic growth, and technological advancement. Best practices for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of funding programs. Speakers: Maria Lema, CEO, Weaver Labs Christian Maasem, Partner Expert, Detecon Uwe Baeder, Director Public Affairs, Rohde & Schwarz Salvis Roga, Board Member / Deputy Chairman, Digital Accelerator of Latvia / Liepaja City Council Peter Marculans, Venture Partner, Accelerace
Creating meaningful and transparent dialogue between science, industry and policymakers. Our speakers views on partnerships across different sectors to ensure innovation meets market demands and benefits society. Long-term programs to foster innovation that can adapt to changing conditions. The necessity to clearly define innovation metrics in financial and annual reports for industries, universities, and research organizations. Speakers: Will Townsend, VP & Principal Analyst, Moor Insights & Strategy Andris Anspoks, Director, Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia Mart Toots, Department Manager Applied Research Program, Enterprise Estonia Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director in charge of investment and energy, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) Vitalijs Skrivelis, CEO, Pharmidea SIA Alina Dolmate, EIT Community Officer in Latvia, Riga Technical University
Introduction in to the 5G4LIVES project – how the project strategically combines 5G connectivity with cutting-edge technologies such as enabled monitoring of drones (UAVs or drones) and of alternative hydrogen charging overturns. How 5G-enabled real-time monitoring services can revolutionize emergency response and healthcare, offering faster, more accurate interventions that can save lives. The critical need for legislation and planning for urban air mobility, focusing on the safe and efficient integration of drones and air ambulances into city infrastructures. The role of innovation procurement in driving the adoption of cutting-edge 5G technologies, ensuring that public health and safety services are equipped with the best possible tools. Speakers: Viesturs Celmins, Managing director, VEFRESH Staņislavs Šeiko, Head of strategic planning, Riga Municipal police Arnis Gulbis, Director, Riga city - Riga Digital Agency Juris Grants, Senior Inspector in the Unmanned Aircraft Flight Safety Unit, Latvian Civil Aviation Agency Evija Plone, Innovation Project Lead, LMT
Reflections on the achievements and progress made in European connectivity during the previous parliamentary term, including advancements in 5G deployment, digital infrastructure investment, and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies. Key challenges and opportunities facing European connectivity in the digital age, such as bridging the digital divide, ensuring universal access to high-speed broadband, and promoting digital inclusion and literacy across all segments of society. Strategies for mobilizing investment and funding to support connectivity infrastructure development and digital transformation initiatives across Europe, including public-private partnerships, EU funding programs, and incentives for private sector investment. Our speakers thoughts on policy priorities and strategic objectives for European connectivity leadership in the next parliamentary term. Luukas Ilves, Non-resident Fellow / Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, International Center for Defence Studies / Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Alexia Gonzalez Fanfalone, Head of the Connectivity Services and Infrastructures Unit, OECD - OCDE Marc Vancoppenolle, VP Policy and Government Affairs EU & Europe, Nokia Javier Albares Bueno, Head of Programs, Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking Baiba Braže, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Karlis Bogens, Head, Fixed and Mobile Services Division, International Telecommunications Union
Emerging threats and vulnerabilities that data centres face today, such as advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that specifically target data centres. Best practices for network segmentation, the implementation of firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS), and the importance of regular network security assessments and penetration testing to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. What are the potential applications of quantum key distribution (QKD) for securing data in transit? Common obstacles in achieving compliance, such as keeping up with evolving regulations, integrating compliance into existing security protocols, and ensuring that encryption methods meet stringent regulatory standards. The financial implications of investing in robust security measures versus the potential costs of security breaches, including data loss, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Speakers: Julia Gifford, Co-founder and CEO, Truesix Dmitrijs Nikitins, CTO, Tet Stefan Lueders, CISO, CERN Giampaolo Panariello, CTO of Network Infrastructure, Nokia
Levels of connectivity and digital inclusion across the Nordic and Baltic countries, primary challenges the region faces in connectivity with the goal of achieving comprehensive digital inclusion. Emerging technologies that hold the most promise for enhancing connectivity for digital inclusion in the region, how advanced technologies are being deployed to improve access to digital services. Cross-border collaboration considerations – striving to enable digital inclusion, what can we do to not have siloed solutions within the borders of countries/municipalities? The business case for investing in connectivity technologies aimed at promoting digital inclusion, how the private sector can be incentivized to develop and deploy connectivity solutions that support digital inclusion. Speakers: Normunds Egle, Senior Manager for Infrastructure Policy & Member State Outreach, DIGITALEUROPE Oliver Lekk, Head of Mobile Network Department, Telia Estonia Teppo Rantanen, Executive Director, Competitiveness and Innovation, City of Tampere Elind Sulmina, Digital Infrastructure Officer, International Telecommunication Union Dan-Mihai Chirilă, Policy Officer, European Commission