Kurk Lietuvai Boosts Public Innovation

What Is Kurk Lietuvai?

Kurk Lietuvai (Create Lithuania) is a government-led initiative launched by Invest Lithuania and the Lithuanian government. It brings professionals—many from abroad—into public sector roles to lead innovation projects. Participants work in areas like social affairs, digital transformation, and urban planning, embedding change-making within government institutions.

A Digital Boost for Public Services

Since its inception in 2012, Kurk Lietuvai has placed over 300 experts in Lithuanian ministries and agencies. These change agents design and implement digital solutions—such as information platforms for Ukrainian refugees—that simplify access to government assistance. By tapping global expertise, the programme accelerates modernization of public services across the country.

Shaping Lithuania’s Digital Space

The initiative positions Lithuania’s digital space as a laboratory for civic innovation. Participants have led numerous projects, including regulatory sandboxes for emerging tech and digital city models to guide urban recovery. Today, change-makers focus on improving accessibility, transparency, and value across municipal operations.

Fostering Urban Sustainability

Several recent projects contribute directly to urban sustainability. Teams working on smart city planning, green-energy frameworks, and refugee integration are mapping pathways toward resilient and inclusive communities. For example, an initiative to integrate digital reconstruction tools for Ukraine’s rebuilding effort also creates lessons for sustainable urban development in Lithuania.

Structure and Reach

Each year, Kurk Lietuvai selects ~20 professionals—many from the Lithuanian diaspora with international experience—for 12-month placements. They receive local salaries, social benefits, and support to drive national reform. Past participants have advanced careers in ministries and municipal bodies, with over 50 % continuing in the public sector after their term.

Impact and Outcomes

• Over 300 projects completed since launch.

• Developed digital platforms for refugee services, urban planning, and innovation procurement.

• Multiple award-winning initiatives, including a deposit-refund system with over 90 % return rate.

• High retention: more than half of participants remain in public sector roles.

Why It Matters

With global pressure to digitize and innovate government, Kurk Lietuvai delivers hands-on transformation within Lithuania’s public institutions. It enhances digital resilience, improves public services, and embeds international best practices into local governance. As other nations seek models for public sector modernization, Lithuania’s programme shines as a replicable success.