Republican Party of Armenia

 Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan attended the opening of the AEU (Armenian Economics University)-hosted 25th symposium, referred to as “Knowledge, innovation and development.”

Welcoming the participants, the Prime Minister said knowledge, innovation and development are the key to economic development in the 21st century, and the theme of the symposium was not chosen randomly. The Premier stressed that he was familiar with the research conducted at the university and expressed his satisfaction that the priorities specified in the program of the Armenian government are kept in spotlight by the teaching staff and students.

“It is a pleasure to state that the goals outlined in the concept note on AEU research and innovational activities for 2011-2017 as approved by the Scientific Council of the University are gradually being implemented. Efforts are being made to build institutional capacity as evidenced by the establishment of Amberd research center and numerous labs to be created in the near future,” Hovik Abrahamyan noted, adding that the Government is driven by the need to enhance economic competitiveness and provide for growth promoted by knowledge-based economy.

“In recent years there has been considerable progress in the IT sector, which recorded an annual average growth of 25%. Now we have the appropriate background and potential to become important players in the region. The Government shall apply consistent efforts to develop an innovative ecosystem. A number of programs are implemented, aimed at improving the legal framework for innovation; provide financial incentives for infrastructure in the form of research and training centers, technology parks and laboratories. We are ready to help all those innovative companies that are creating new products and services, as well as the markets,” Hovik Abrahamyan pointed out.

According to the Head of Government, university research should lead the way for other industries, and the Economics University of Armenia is to become a reference for the Government in the development of the economy.

“I am confident that owing to this symposium, Armenian economists and foreign researchers, as well as all those familiar with its proceedings will draw their own conclusions as to the problems faced in the economy and the socio-economic development of the country, finding ways of solving them,” the Prime Minister concluded, wishing the participants successful work and such results as may become a pledge for economic reforms.

To be held on November 11-13 under the motto of “Knowledge, innovation and development,” the AEU-hosted 25th symposium is organized by the Economics University of Armenia, the Ministry of Economy and the State Scientific Board of the Ministry of Education and Science.

The main goal is to shape a multilevel platform for discussing the country’s socio-economic development, involving Armenia’s professional, academic and business circles, the representatives of central and local governments. The Symposium will host a roundtable referred to as “Knowledge-based economy and knowledge-based society.”