At its sitting on 26 October 2005, the Saeima approved the long-term conceptual document “Latvia’s Growth Model: People First.” Behind that calm title was a sharp choice: not to rely on cheap labour or natural resources, but to recognise the knowledge and wisdom of Latvia’s people as the country’s main growth resource. The aim was stated simply — an increase in the quality of human life; the document then became a guideline for drafting the National Development Plan 2007–2013.

It came soon after Latvia joined the European Union, when the country needed to turn the energy of rapid change into a long-term development direction. The document linked economic growth with education, science, governance and quality of life, so it was more than a declaration about GDP growth.