Cesis

Cesis is a small city about 90k in the East of Riga in the centre of Latvia. The population is stabilising (and starting to grow) following period of decline It's the cultural capital of Latvia.

About the Economy

Public sector accounts for approximately 40% of employed people. Main sectors are food, transport, retail and construction. Cesis try to attract creative and digital talent (back) from Riga 8% growth in number of jobs in 2013/14.

About the Labour Market

There is a very low unemployment rate of 5.3% (compared to national rate of 9.7%) and a low employment rate of 59.7%. We are facing an high economic inactivity rate of 35% Unemployment higher amongst women higher than national average number of people with higher education.

About the Digital Economy

There are currently just 30 digital companies in the town and the majority of other companies do not yet seem recognise the need for digital services or the potential of spill over from the digital and creative sectors for their businesses.

Cesis has only recently started to consider the potential of the digital economy and therefore does not have significant amounts of sector-specific practices which have been tried and tested. However there are a number of linked initiatives which may offer learning for other TechTown Partners. The city also has free wifi in all public spaces.