THE VIDZEME CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: INNOVATION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

The purpose of the Project is to establish the Vidzeme Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Regional Business Development Incubator at the Riga Technical University, with the overall objective of strengthening cooperation between education institutions, R&D institutions, and businesses for the promotion of entrepreneurial innovation and business growth in the Vidzeme region. Reference is made to the application dated 23 April 2007 and any subsequent correspondence with the Focal Point. The completed Project shall include the following activities and results: - Management and publicity activities; - development of entrepreneurship and innovation skills through education; - international network building through study tours to Norway, Denmark and Latvia (exchange of young entrepreneurs); - reconstruction of the building for "Vidzeme Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship" (698m2) located at Poruka street 8, Cesis city. - reconstruction of part of the building (roof, and 2nd floor, 507m2) for the "Regional Business Development Incubator" located at Pulka street 3/11, Riga city (Riga Technical University); - development of the regional innovation information hub (internet portal, library and information exchange system) and; - development of strategic documents; 1. Innovation Strategy for Vidzeme region and; 2. Development Strategy of the Vidzeme Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The Project Promoter is the Cesis District Council. The Project shall be implemented in partnership with the Cesis City Council, Riga Technical University in Latvia and Østfold County Council in Norway. The Focal Point shall ensure that the Project Promoter provides at least 7,84 percent of the total estimated eligible Project costs, Riga Technical University provides at least 5 percent of the total estimated eligible Project costs and the Cesis City Council provides at least 3 percent of the total estimated eligible Project costs.