Peero CEO: Latvia could learn from Malta's data literacy approach
Peero CEO Artūrs Lazdekalns argues that effective use of artificial intelligence depends on data literacy, citing Malta's public administration, which invested in staff knowledge before adopting new tools. He suggests Latvia could take a similar approach.
In an opinion piece, Peero CEO Artūrs Lazdekalns argues that artificial intelligence tools alone do not guarantee higher productivity — their value depends on people's ability to work with data. Without understanding data quality and proper structuring, even powerful tools fail to deliver meaningful results.
He points to a common problem: inconsistent data entry across systems and information collected but never used in analysis or decision-making. This, he says, leads not to data-driven governance but to digital disorder.
Malta's example
Lazdekalns shared insights from his involvement in developing a data literacy programme for Malta's public administration. Malta ranked first in online public services in the 2026 European e-government assessment. Rather than purchasing new tools, the country first assessed the skills of around 150 employees across all ministries and, based on that data, built a nine-month training programme tailored to different roles and knowledge levels.
After completing the programme, some participants became data leaders within their institutions, helping colleagues and continuing to build a data-driven work culture. The programme also helped staff better define tasks and evaluate technology solutions.
Recommendations for Latvia
The author believes Latvia could start with an assessment of existing knowledge and needs, then develop practical training tailored to different roles for working with real data, followed by building collaborative networks within institutions. He notes that public administration standards and digital services also influence businesses and society at large, meaning investment in data literacy could support better decision-making more broadly.
