Creative Tech

To ensure future prosperity and address Armenia’s fragile security situation while improving its capabilities, three pillars are necessary - scientific innovation, economic growth and a military-industrial complex. These were the key themes addressed during the Gituzh conference in Yerevan.

Armenia would benefit from following Taiwan’s approach in turning its burgeoning tech sector as a geopolitical tool. In doing so, Armenia can position itself as an indispensable player in the global economy, thereby enhancing its security standing.

In 2020, the City of Glendale set out to develop an accelerator program that would stimulate the growth of its start-up ecosystem, to take the next step in establishing itself as a comprehensive regional hub for technology and innovation. Hero House Glendale responded.

Armath is constructing a robust, pan-Armenian STEM community, cementing Armenia as a leader of technological innovation, and granting it a form of soft power that is both potent and long-lasting. This year, Armath Glendale opened its doors, joining a roster of 600 labs around the world.

Successive administrations in Armenia did not adequately invest in science and education, hindering the development of human capital and infrastructure. To register comprehensive progress, ensure sovereignty and security, a robust R&D ecosystem must be revived with the government playing an indispensable role.

Drawing inspiration from the EU’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence Act, Armenia should tailor regulations to its unique context, exploring the possibility of adopting a similar framework as an integral part of its national security and cyber security doctrine and not only.

As a small landlocked country with no access to the sea and limited territory, Armenia’s only salvation is to look to air and space, argue experts in the country’s space industry. “That’s where we are going to secure our future.”

The Digitec Summit convened leading entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers and educators earlier this year to explore how cultivating an “ambitious” tech ecosystem is the key for Armenia to withstand shocks in an ever-volatile global system. Leigha Schjelderup explains.

In AI research, large-scale computing resources are a key determinant of success. Armenia, facing this challenge, is responding with a strategic initiative: building an AI institute to foster both resource acquisition and training scientists to use large-scale computing resources.

Strategic measures are needed to further scale up the venture capital space in Armenia. This needs a favorable ecosystem and infrastructure. Nune Zadoyan explains.