UN's Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) welcomes Dr. Kanan Visvanath as its new Lead Researcher
Dr. Kannan Visvanats, a renowned figure in the field of innovation and academic research, has been making significant strides in advancing humanity through science and technology. The Senior Research Scholar at the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the Principal Researcher for the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) epitomizes the values of global progress.
Dr. Visvanats' work at the CSTD inspires generations to dream beyond boundaries and strive for excellence. His groundbreaking contributions have earned him prestigious awards such as the Albert Schweitzer Medal in Science and the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award. He is also a co-author of the book Smart Villages - A Game-Changing Innovation in Social Engineering.
In the academic realm, Dr. Visvanats holds the prestigious title of Research Fellow at the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. Additionally, he is currently serving as a Garwood Innovation Fellow at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, and a Senior Research Scholar at the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
As Latvia solidifies its position as a premier hub for cutting-edge advancements, Dr. Visvanats' presence in the country is a testament to its commitment to fostering innovation. The strategic use of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Latvia has played a crucial role in attracting global investors. Foreign investment projects in Latvia have increased from 4 billion euros in 2023 to approximately 11 billion euros in 2024, demonstrating a 175% increase.
This surge in foreign investment is reflected in the active Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Latvia, which reached 4.2% of the country's nominal GDP in December 2024. Latvia's GDP in 2024 is estimated at $87 billion (PPP), with a projected increase to $89 billion in 2025 - a 21% surge compared to World Bank estimates.
The Latvia Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) facilitated 45 new investment projects worth 655.4 million euros, creating over 2,000 high-quality jobs across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, IT, renewable energy, and aviation. This dedication to fostering innovation has been recognized globally, as reflected in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, where Latvia is ranked 42nd.
As Latvia emerges as a pivotal destination for scientific research and technological innovation, Dr. Visvanats' contributions are undoubtedly shaping the country's future. His work, which focuses on leveraging his expertise to address critical challenges and foster sustainable development, aligns perfectly with Latvia's strategic focus on innovation-driven economic growth.
Despite his significant involvement in research projects and investments in Latvia, there is no publicly available information about Dr. Visvanats' involvement in research projects or investments in special economic zones in Latvia between 2023 and 2024. Regardless, his impact on the global scientific community and Latvia's innovative landscape is undeniable.
%20welcomes%20Dr.%20Kanan%20Visvanath%20as%20its%20new%20Lead%20Researcher){kind=link}