Friday, 23 April 2010
“Knowledge-based economy needs knowledge based society.” Tigran Sargsyan
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan attended today the annual gathering of the RA National Academy of Sciences.
A minute of silence was held in memory of those academicians who passed away recently.
RA NAS President Radik Martirosyan reported on the main outcome of NAS-conducted research activities for the year 2009. His report was followed by statements and comments made by those present. The speakers thanked the head of government for attendance and thoughtfulness of scientific problems.
Tigran Sargsyan addressed the meeting stating in part: “Any government has a primary goal of modeling a highly competitive economy. By saying a competitive economy we mean a knowledge-based economy in the modern world. Moreover, the knowledge-based economy cannot be built without having a knowledge based society. This is our vision of Republic of Armenia’s long-term and prospective development strategy. There is no alternative to developing research and shaping a research-based economy in Armenia. The point is how to do it.”
Tigran Sargsyan indicated those prerequisites needed to develop sciences and enhance the status scientists in Armenia: “You have to formulate the challenges facing Armenia, our primary tasks and actions. Instead of awaiting the government’s response, you should be brave enough to introduce them to the public at large. The moral issue will be addressed in this way, and scientists will be given due appreciation on the part of society. Science is a tool for translating money into knowledge in today’s world with innovations being the key to turning newborn knowledge into cash money. There is a serious problem in the Republic of Armenia in this respect as the above two bridge sections are not tied up in our country.”
With reference to the methodology of assessing scientific potential, the head of government said in particular: “We cannot limit ourselves to mere publications. A specific environment has to be created to ensure proper linkage between research and industry. Successful projects and tangible result is needed to develop sciences and improve the moral and psychological atmosphere in the Republic of Armenia.”
Concerning the queries raised by those in attendance on the draft law on NAS, Tigran Sargsyan stressed in part: “The National Assembly is going to engage quite an exciting debate over this bill. You are expected to come up with proposals and recommendations which the government will keep in the focus of attention. Only through close collaboration we will be able to change the social status of sciences and scientists in the Republic of Armenia.”
