Country Profile: Latvia
Dedicated design policy status
Yes: Latvian Design Strategy 2022–2027, developed as a sector-specific framework, builds on the priorities outlined in the Cultural Policy Guidelines 2022–2027 “Cultural State.” It follows an earlier Design Strategy of Latvia 2017–2020 and provides a vision, priorities, and directions of action for strengthening the design sector and embedding design across the economy.
Design in other policy agendas
- CCI Strategy – Cultural Policy Guidelines 2022–2027 position design both as a creative sector and as a strategic, cross-sectoral tool. Explicit references include design’s role in the New European Bauhaus, Green Deal, user-centred solutions, and service design for cultural accessibility. [Integrated]
- Circular Economy Strategy – Action Plan for the Transition to Circular Economy 2020–2027 mentions eco-design and sustainable product design. [Integrated]
- Innovation, industrial/development, digital, architecture strategies – No strategies or references to design were identified.
Observations
Latvia is one of the few countries in Europe with a dedicated design strategy, giving the field a clear policy framework. The Latvian Design Strategy 2022–2027 not only strengthens design as a sector but also emphasises its role as a cross-cutting enabler for innovation, sustainability, wellbeing and quality of life for society. Its grounding within the broader Cultural Policy Guidelines ensures institutional anchoring, while earlier strategies (2017–2020) highlight continuity of policy effort. Complementary references in the circular economy agenda reinforce design’s relevance for green transitions. Going forward, concrete action plan, effective implementation and coordination across ministries will be key to maximising impact.
Sources
- Design for Latvia – Mollerup Report (2004), o. J.
- Design Strategy of Latvia 2020 – Action Plan, o. J.
- Latvian Design 2020, o. J.
- Latvian Design strategy 2022-27, o. J.