On May 28 of this year, the Kurzeme Business Forum titled “Artificial Intelligence – The Fourth Industrial Revolution” will take place at the “Latvija” Concert Hall in Ventspils. The forum will bring together entrepreneurs, municipal representatives, university staff, students, and technology experts. The aim of the forum is to jointly analyze how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting education, entrepreneurship, and regional development.

The forum will take place from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM and will consist of two content-rich segments, each concluding with high-level expert panel discussions. A lunch break is scheduled for 12:00 PM, and throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and networking activities. The working language of the event will be Latvian, but thanks to SIA "Tilde" and its AI-powered solutions, simultaneous interpretation into any language will be provided, making the forum accessible to an international audience.

The first part of the forum will focus on the role of education in the age of AI. It will examine the development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences in this context, seeking answers to key questions: How can the education system adapt to new demands? Which professions will remain relevant, and which will evolve? Moderators and topics of the first part:

• Jānis Vītoliņš - Chairman of the Ventspils City Council:
  Opening remarks and presentation of "Ventspils"
• Viktors Valainis - Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia
• Andris Vaivads - Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences:
  "The development of Ventspils University in the age of AI"
• Jānis Grabis - Director of the Institute of Information Technology, Riga Technical University:
  "Synergy of AI and cybersecurity in academic studies"

The first part will conclude with a panel discussion titled "What kind of education remains essential in the age of AI?" moderated by Jānis Krēvics. The discussion will focus on adapting the education system to rapidly evolving technological conditions and developing human capital for the future. What professions will retain their importance, and which will change? How can one adapt to new technological challenges to remain competitive in the labor market? Experts from various sectors will explore these and other pressing questions. Discussion participants:

• Vairis Caune - Dean of the Faculty of IT, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences
• Jānis Paiders - Deputy State Secretary for Human Capital, Science and Innovation Development, Ministry of Education and Science
• Signe Bāliņa - President of the Latvian Information and Communications Technology Association

The second part of the forum will explore whether and how AI solutions are needed in businesses. Entrepreneurs will share practical experiences, debunk myths surrounding AI implementation, and discuss legal frameworks and government support opportunities. The segment will conclude with insights into AI's potential for port and logistics development. Moderators and topics of the second part:

• Gatis Ozols - Deputy State Secretary for Digital Transformation, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development:
  "The legal framework for AI and support for innovation"
• Oksana Sivokobilska - Board Member of the Artificial Intelligence Association of Latvia:
  "Common sense in automation"
• Gatis Romanovskis - Director of SIA "Hansab":
  "Hansab's automation with AI"
• Artūrs Vasiļevskis - CEO and Board Member of SIA "Tilde":
  "AI in business and education: Opportunities for development"
• Dmitrijs Jemeljanovs - Machine Learning Expert, CEO of "Forward IT Consulting":
  "AI in Latvia's economy: From myths to real value - Stories from Forward IT"
• Agnis Jakubovics - Board Member of SIA "Apply":
  "AI and manufacturing companies"
• Deniss Bičkovs - International Transport Development Association:
  "Port development with AI: Digital transformation and CO2 emission reduction"

The second panel discussion, moderated by Jānis Krēvics, will invite Gatis Ozols, Gatis Romanovskis, Agnis Jakubovics, and Renārs Pūce, Chairman of the Board of SIA "VK Tranzīts", to explore the topic "Why is AI essential for your company too?" The forum will conclude with a stand-up comedy performance by Jānis Skutelis titled "Skutelis VS Skutelis", where the comedian will humorously yet thoughtfully reflect on what might remain of acting in the age of artificial intelligence. More information about the forum's program and agenda, as well as registration, is available here: www.kurzemesbiznesaforums.lv The forum is organized by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences within the European University Alliance COLOURS, in cooperation with the Ventspils City Municipality, Ventspils Freeport Authority, and the Green and Smart Technology Cluster. We encourage you to register early!