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The US has had a long history of being home to some of the brightest minds in technology and innovation. The ongoing growth and development of Silicon Valley and other tech hubs across the country have continued to strengthen the level of innovation and progressive thinking that drives its powerful economy.
However, for modern businesses, leaning on past successes isn’t enough to keep pace with important global shifts in technology availability and workforce development. To stay competitive and relevant in this space, US businesses need to expand the scope of their own knowledge and start learning from other well-developed and educated countries making strides in their own local regions.
A great example of this is Lithuania, a small Baltic nation in Northern Europe. Few countries have developed as quickly in terms of technology and innovation as Lithuania, and US businesses can learn many important lessons from its success in building and improving its educational systems.
Early Exposure Is Critical
Lithuania has placed a high priority on developing an active and diversified workforce, leading to a substantial pool of skilled professionals in areas like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The country currently holds the top spot in the EU for employing young ICT specialists between the ages of 15 and 34 and ranks first globally in digital skill availability.
This early exposure has been key to bringing the country to the forefront of technological innovation, with local IT talent pools now steadily growing at an average annual rate of 13%. On a more progressive note, in 2022, Lithuania also boasted the highest proportion of women employed in science and technology (64%) compared to other EU member states.
Lithuania’s success in early industry exposure to young professionals is attributed, in part, to the continuous support from local governments and the network of universities and research institutions available. A prime example is the launch of the National Reskilling/Upskilling Programme by the Lithuanian Public Employment Service. This initiative looks to reskill/upskill 20,000 new specialists in ICT, engineering, and life sciences by the end of 2026.
Develop More Problem-Solving Skills
An OECD’s PISA 2022 survey showed that a key strength in Lithuania’s education system is its ability to help students develop and maintain creative thinking skills. The results from the survey revealed that 15-year-olds specifically ranked impressively high in this area, outperforming the OECD average and demonstrating a strong ability to generate original ideas, evaluate solutions, and think critically across areas such as writing, visual expression, and problem-solving.
With 26% of Lithuanian students achieving the highest levels of creative thinking, it’s clear that the nation’s education system is effectively nurturing these essential skills. A majority of Lithuanian students polled showed their access to subjects like art, drama, creative writing, and computer programming, which have all allowed them to develop their skills further.
US businesses can learn from Lithuania’s example by recognizing that problem-solving skills are not just about finding the “right” answer but about creating the right environment for employees to explore creative outlets that organically support better critical thinking. By encouraging employees to chase new ideas and experiment with different approaches, all businesses can establish a workforce that is not only skilled in what they do but is also equipped to handle the rising challenges of a fast-moving tech industry.
Provide More Hands-On Experience
Lithuania’s approach to tech education places the added importance of hands-on learning. The country has invested heavily in providing students with labs, and technology hubs where they can experiment, build, and bring their ideas to life. This practical experience not only reinforces theoretical concepts but also creates more essential skills.
US businesses can mimic this hands-on philosophy by allowing employees to apply their skills in practical settings. For example, having employees participate in hackathons, coding competitions, or internal innovation challenges can all be great ways to build more professional skills.
Additionally, partnering with educational institutions to offer internships can give students valuable real-world experience while giving businesses access to a pipeline of talented, developing professionals.
By prioritizing hands-on learning, businesses can create a workforce that is not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and capable of thriving in a rapidly changing tech-driven landscape.
Take Advantage of Available Government Programs
Lithuania has been known for its commitment to sustainability in recent years – specifically in relation to new developments in its tech sector. Its government has recognized that green initiatives and technological innovation go hand-in-hand, actively supporting businesses that are developing and implementing sustainable solutions and encouraging more educational growth in these areas. This support comes in different forms, including tax breaks for companies investing in energy-efficient technologies, subsidies for renewable energy projects that power tech infrastructure, and grants for research and development in areas like green technology education and sustainable manufacturing processes.
US businesses can draw inspiration from Lithuania’s approach by actively researching and leveraging government programs that support both the education of their employees and the implementation of more sustainable practices within their organizations. Businesses can also proactively engage with government agencies, educational systems, and their industry associations to advocate for better policies that further support sustainability in the tech sector.
Collaboration and Innovation Go Hand in Hand
US businesses have ample opportunities to partner with and learn directly from various Lithuanian organizations to better their tech capabilities. Groups like InnoHub Lithuania, for example, play an important role in helping to create this type of business ecosystem by facilitating strategic collaborations and connecting businesses across borders.
InnoHub Lithuania provides mentorship programs that connect startups with experienced professionals who can offer guidance on developing newer technologies and expanding their market reach while also helping them navigate the complexities of establishing new international partnerships. The organization also hosts networking conferences, workshops, and investor pitch events throughout the year to open up valuable opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services, gain important insights from industry leaders, and secure additional funding.
Developing and Growing Your Business With the Right Partnerships
US businesses can learn a lot from Lithuania’s focus on early industry exposure and its proactive approach to tech education. By following the examples discussed and looking for more opportunities to create strategic partnerships with Lithuanian organizations, US-based businesses can continue to improve their capabilities while playing an important role in the ongoing development of a tech-driven ecosystem.
Author Information
Author Name: Diana Placiakiene
Author Bio: Diana, the Business Community Manager at InnoHub Lithuania, brings over a decade of experience in marketing, sales, events, and community building. Her career spans work with early-stage startups, government initiatives, and small businesses.
From 2013 to 2015, Diana represented Innovation Agency Lithuania in Silicon Valley, acting as a bridge between Lithuanian tech companies and the dynamic Silicon Valley ecosystem. She also led the San Francisco American Lithuanian community for over three years, launching innovative programs and initiatives to connect and empower professionals.
Diana holds an MBA from Mills College in Oakland, California.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaplaciakiene/
Photo by Dmitriy K. on Unsplash