Recently, Globes Chemical LTD and Daugavpils University reached a cooperation agreement on industry-academia-research collaboration.
GloBS Chemical, Ltd. is a Latvia-based company specialized in the research, development, and production of chemical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Daugavpils University is a public university located in the city of Daugavpils, the second-largest city in Latvia. Founded in 1921, it is one of the country’s key regional higher education institutions and offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, and information technology. The university is known for its research in areas like biology, environmental science, and regional studies, and it maintains international academic collaborations with universities and research institutes across Europe and beyond. Daugavpils University also plays an important role in supporting cultural, scientific, and economic development in the Latgale region.
Latvia’s chemical and pharmaceutical industry serves as a vital pillar of the national economy, consistently ranking among its top manufacturing sectors. Comprising over 500 companies and employing nearly 10,000 professionals, the sector is highly diverse, spanning pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, plastic and rubber production, and biotechnology. Pharmaceuticals remain a prominent core, bolstered by a strong tradition of drug discovery and internationally recognized firms. The industry is characterized by its robust export-oriented business model, with roughly 75% to 83% of its output—ranging from medicinal products and cosmetics to specialized bio-based chemicals—shipped to international markets, particularly within the EU.
The sector’s competitive edge is built upon a foundation of highly skilled labor, strong research institutions, and a favorable business environment that includes special economic zones with tax incentives. While Latvia benefits from deep-rooted expertise in life sciences and a strategic focus on high-value-added production, it faces ongoing challenges such as a reliance on imported raw materials and the need to mitigate talent loss. Looking forward, the industry is strategically pivoting toward sustainable growth by prioritizing "green" innovation, such as bio-based chemicals and biorefineries, to maintain its status as a competitive, high-value manufacturing hub within Europe.