Guna Puce: From Public Sector Leadership to the Helm of the Latvian Artificial Intelligence Centre

The Latvian Artificial Intelligence Centre has entered a new phase of development with the appointment of Guna Puce as its Director. Bringing together experience in public administration, digital transformation and technology-driven innovation, she will lead the Centre at a time when Latvia is moving from AI strategy discussions to practical implementation.

Although trained as a lawyer, Puce’s professional journey has long been connected with technology and data-driven innovation. During her leadership roles in the public sector, including at the Register of Enterprises of Latvia, she was involved in large-scale digital transformation initiatives and the introduction of new digital services. Among the pioneering projects was the implementation of one of the first public-sector chatbots in Europe, marking her first direct encounter with artificial intelligence.

“The story is not about technology for technology’s sake. It is about what organisations and society want to achieve with it - greater efficiency, better services and smarter decisions,” says Puce.

Established by public, academic and industry partners, the Latvian Artificial Intelligence Centre serves as a national coordination platform for AI development. Its mission is to strengthen cooperation across sectors, support responsible AI adoption and help Latvia compete internationally in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

One of the Centre’s first major initiatives is the development of an AI regulatory sandbox - a controlled environment where innovators, regulators and experts can work together to test AI solutions in line with the EU AI Act, data protection requirements and sector-specific regulations. The sandbox will not only help organisations innovate safely but will also generate practical guidance and lessons that can benefit the wider ecosystem.

Beyond regulation, the Centre is mapping Latvia’s AI ecosystem, building partnerships with universities, startups, public institutions and international counterparts. A key focus is ensuring that AI development remains human-centred, responsible and aligned with societal needs.

Puce believes Latvia has strong foundations to become a recognised player in Europe’s AI landscape. From internationally competitive language technologies to advanced research in computing and microelectronics, the country already has success stories that can be scaled further through stronger collaboration.

Looking ahead, her vision for the next three to five years is clear: AI adoption in Latvia should be coordinated, practical and impactful.

“Success will mean that businesses and public institutions have a clear roadmap for adopting AI safely and effectively, that innovation and responsibility go hand in hand, and that Latvia is recognised internationally as a trusted partner in responsible AI development.”

With AI rapidly reshaping economies worldwide, Latvia has an opportunity to carve out its own strengths. The Centre’s ambition is to ensure that the country is not only adapting to technological change, but actively contributing to Europe’s future AI landscape.