The program’s core is to deliver intensive, week-long training sessions aimed at senior Latvian public officials. Last year, two sessions were organized in Tartu (September 2025) and Jyväskylä (November 2025). Each session accomodated 15 participants from key Latvian institutions, including the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, the State Employment Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Internal Security Office.

Dr. Mihkel Solvak and visiting professor Dr. Vincent Homburg from the Johan Skytte Institute delivered lectures and facilitated explorations of international digital policy trends and cutting-edge applications. The insights drawn from the ECePS ERA Chair project played a crucial role in shaping the discussions around the future of digital governance in Latvia. Another part of the training was led by Professor Tuure Tuunanen from the University of Jyväskylä. Participants were challenged to harness their creative potential and leadership skills by designing innovative digital public services tailored to their respective agencies. This practical exercise culminated in the presentation of five prototype digital services, each visualized through detailed mockups. These prototypes are intended to be further refined and developed in Latvia with the support of experienced professionals, with the ultimate goal of integration into the Latvian public sector.

As digital technologies continue to reshape the public sector, initiatives like this are essential in equipping leaders with the tools they need to drive progress and lead digital transformation. This initiative further underscores ECePS’s enduring commitment to driving digital innovation in public administration, even after the ECePS ERA Chair project was successfully concluded in the beginning of 2025, and demonstrates the lasting societal impact of ECePS’s research efforts.