By the decision of Armenian government, the finances for the implementation of the measures of scientific and scientific-technical activity programs have been increased by AMD 2 billion 784 million ($5,213,000).
The Deputy Minister of Education and Science Zhanna Andreasyan, presenting the draft decision at today’s Government session, stated that the basis for that was the continuous consultations on the development prospects of the science sector and the instructions given within them. The measures will contribute to the development of directions corresponding to the modern requirements of scientific research, and based on the economic needs of the country, said the Deputy Minister.
The increased funds will be directed to two main sectors:
• AMD 1,031,740.9 thousand will be allocated to the infrastructure modernization programs. And this will be directed to the acquisition of modern and important equipment for scientific organizations that are more efficient.
• AMD 1 billion 638 million (more than $3 million) will be allocated to thematic scientific research. It has a number of directions. The first is contractual thematic research, which will enable funding for high-scoring bids.
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reminded that the topic of increasing science funding has been discussed many times, however just adding money does not mean that we will achieve a substantive result. According to Pashinyan, it is necessary to know that the investment made by the system can be digested, that is, there are appropriate mechanisms and institutional bases for that, and secondly, that investment will be targeted, will serve the development of science.
“The decision is the result of long discussions. We try to make this not only a separate decision, but also to launch institutional mechanisms for the continuous science development. This is the first stage. And the process will continue,” said the Prime Minister, emphasizing that the sphere of education and science is of strategic importance.
