The latest Radio NABA program “In the Name of Science” addressed an issue that often remains outside of broader attention – how scientific ideas move from laboratories to real products and society. Jānis Latvels, innovation specialist at “BioPhoT” and innovation and technology commercialization expert at the Institute of Solid State Physics of the University of Latvia, spoke about this process, explaining the significance of innovation in modern development.
The discussion stressed that scientific discoveries alone are not enough – their true value is revealed only when they are translated into practical solutions. This is precisely what innovation and technology commercialization provide, aiming to help research reach industry, businesses, and end-users. This requires not only technological development but also the ability to understand market needs, build collaborations, and develop sustainable business models.
The innovation ecosystem is particularly important – an environment where various institutions and organizations collaborate, share knowledge, and jointly drive innovation forward. In Latvia, this environment, especially thanks to the “BioPhoT” platform initiative, is rapidly developing, and more and more scientists are choosing to develop their ideas through entrepreneurship. This promotes the emergence of startups and creates high value-added products with the potential to compete internationally.
Welcome to listen to a conversation with Jānis Latvelis online!
