The Minister of Economy and Innovation Edvinas Griksas presents his political team
Minister of the Economy and Innovation Edvinas Grikšas presents his political team to begin work in the coming days.
‘I am pleased that we have brought together a political team that combines the experience of public sector professionals and the ambitions of young experts. Our goal is to strengthen Lithuania’s innovation ecosystem, attract and distribute investment across the regions and modernise public authorities by cutting bureaucracy. We want to deliver real, measurable results so that the entire Lithuania – not just the major cities – becomes a competitive and attractive place to create, work and live’, says Minister Edvinas Grikšas.
Vice-Minister Paulius Petrauskas’s field of competence will cover technology, innovation, industrial development, EU investments, the defense and security industries and the implementation of Lithuania’s projects in Ukraine. Previously, he served as Director of the Breakthrough Department at the Innovation Agency and later was Adviser to the Minister of the Economy and Innovation. He also has extensive international experience in project management, including his expert role for the European Commission.
Deputy Minister Waldemar Urban will be responsible for attracting investments, promoting exports and supporting entrepreneurship. He has extensive experience in public service, including his roles as Adviser in the Office of the Seimas, Chancellor at the Ministry of the Interior and other positions in local government authorities. Mr. Urban will assume his duties on 14 October.
Deputy Minister Guoda Burokienė will be in charge of EU economic policy, tourism, talent attraction and domestic trade. She brings both parliamentary and international experience having served as Member of the Seimas and its Committees; besides, she represented Lithuania in EU institutions in Brussels. Ms Burokienė has also been active in community and business organisations; previously, she chaired the Lithuanian Rural Communities Union.
Deputy Minister Darius Zailskas will be responsible for state digitalisation, IT sector development, public procurement, artificial intelligence and better regulation. He has more than fifteen years of experience in technology, data infrastructure and logistics. Mr Zailskas will take up his position on 20 October.
Inga Steponavičienė has been appointed Chancellor of the Ministry responsible for strategic planning, coordination of operations and financial management. She has extensive experience within the Ministry having led divisions responsible for strategic planning and organisational development; most recently, she served as Chief Adviser at the Ministry.
Rugilė Augustaitytė will serve as Adviser for Strategic Communications. She has experience in media and public relations, and recently was part of the Ministry’s communication team.
Edita Savicka will assist in coordinating the work of the Minister and his team.
Together with the team, Minister Edvinas Grikšas will pursue three key priorities, including strengthening innovation, encouraging investment and modernising institutions so as to ensure sustainable and balanced economic growth across the country.