Europe’s Dual-Use Future: Latvia’s Strategic Role

Latvia stands at the crossroads of innovation and security, emerging as a vital contributor to Europe’s evolving dual-use technology landscape. As the EU advances its Defense Industry Strategy, Latvia’s growing ecosystem—from research and development to production and export—offers a model of agility, trust, and collaboration. This keynote explores how Latvia can leverage its strategic position to drive European technological sovereignty and strengthen cross-border innovation partnerships.

Mārcis Dzelme is a Research Fellow at the think tank “LV PEAK”, specializing in defense industry competitiveness and security policy. He has over 15 years of experience working with employers’ organizations and representing the economic interests of businesses in Latvia and internationally. His work focuses on strengthening the resilience and innovation capacity of the defense sector.