RTU and Latvijas Finieris AS strengthen cooperation in education and science
Riga Technical University (RTU) and Latvijas Finieris, the world's leading producer and supplier of birch plywood products, are developing their cooperation to jointly strengthen society's and the economy's readiness for global change.
By signing a cooperation agreement, RTU and Latvijas Finieris AS agree to promote science-intensive solutions to overcome future challenges, including innovations from wood as a renewable material according to the principles of bioeconomy, new methods for the responsible use of traditional materials and various types of resources in the circular economy and the economy as a whole. The cooperation between the two parties is also intended to achieve effective knowledge transfer in a modern educational and working environment, targeted interaction between science and business, and synergies in the digitalisation of processes.
“RTU's activities are focused on proactive engagement with the needs of the national economy. Cooperation with Latvijas Finieris, an important manufacturing company with a high reputation and global influence, is very important for RTU. Strengthening the existing cooperation, we see an opportunity to collaborate on student internships and graduate employment, as well as research and innovation, where a strong partnership with industry is very important. In addition, we can develop research not only in the wood industry, but also in energy, digitalisation, IT, medicine and other areas that are in line with the company's growth philosophy,” says RTU Rector Tālis Juhna.
“In order to strengthen its leading position and at the same time promote Latvia's green and digital transformation, Latvijas Finieris AS invests in new development projects, high added value products, production capacities, automation, etc. Both a strong team of specialists and cooperation with scientific organisations play a crucial role in promoting research and development, so we are pleased to cooperate with RTU both in educating students and providing internships, as well as in scientific research work,” emphasises Jānis Ciems, chairperson of the Board of Latvijas Finieris AS.
RTU and Latvijas Finieris AS have already enjoyed successful cooperation in the past – research and development of innovative products in technically demanding consumer sectors have been promoted, experience has been exchanged in ensuring a quality education process, thus strengthening the competitiveness of the economy and the export potential of the entire supply chain. However, this can be made even more targeted and active, and cooperation will therefore focus on improving the theoretical and practical knowledge of engineering specialists in line with the requirements of the modern labour market and company needs, developing research, including by promoting research in areas of importance to the company, creating an innovative study and working environment, ensuring mutual knowledge and technology transfer, as well as guest lectures and internships.
Photo: Vitālijs Vinogradovs