Russian-Armenian businessman proposes plan for ‘technological breakthrough’

The four-day war in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone in April marked serious changes in the Armenian society’s life. The Armenian army’s modernization was a top theme discussed in the media and the social networks after the violent military escalations. Most sharing opinions and comments in online platforms made calls for enhancing the information technologies and developing innovative trends in the drone production.

In an interview with Mediamax, Ruben Vardanyan, a Russian-Armenian businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Initiatives for the Development of Armenia (IDeA) foundation, shared his vision of an ideological breakthrough, describing the plan as a key imperative after the recent development. He called for strong efforts towards building a powerful country, highlighting the idea that nobody is supposed to do that instead of the people in Armenia.

How will you and the IDeA Foundation take part in and provide a scientific and technological breakthrough in Armenia?

At the moment, the IDeA Foundation, along with its partners, is finalizing requirements for the launch of IDeA's new project, the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology - FAST, aimed at developing the means for technological innovation in Armenia and the mobilization of scientific, technological and financial resources of the Armenian and international communities.
 
FAST has to become a platform for bringing about the technological breakthrough in Armenia in the areas of IT and computer science, artificial intelligence, high-tech materials, robotics, biotechnology, advanced engineering and manufacturing technologies. 

We are looking at the possibility of at first providing  $10m towards developing the fund and then launching the fund globally with the goal of raising $ 200 mln within three years. Within the model that we are discussing, FAST can become a mixed financial vehicle, which provides both research grants and venture financing. The established Advisory Board will undertake the fund’s management. Within this board, besides the founders, there will be prominent Armenians from Armenia and abroad with a successful track record in science, technology, venture capital and industry. The fund will be subject to high standards of effectiveness, transparency and independence. 
 
How will the new fund work with the government?

The work of the fund will only be effective in a public-private partnership and at the moment we are intensely discussing these questions with Armenia's leadership. In our view, this partnership means engaging with the government on multiple levels, from the selection of promising scientific programmes to the formation of government orders for important work. There are on-going talks on the creation of a systematic support for science and technology on every level within every day activity of the government.

At the same time, in supporting FAST or any other technology initiative, the state must adhere to the principle of the rule of law, an open economy and free competition. This will create a favourable ecosystem that will attract the best minds, who in turn will create and implement unique projects in Armenia.
 
And how will you cooperate with the scientific and technology community in Armenia?
 
We have to try our utmost to make FAST interesting for an elite international talent, first and foremost from our own Diaspora. We have to rediscover ourselves as a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs, fulfilling our creative potential in our own country and not only outside of its borders.

The main purpose for introducing FAST – is to unite the government and the private sector, the Church, the general public and the elite, the citizens of Armenian, the Diaspora and our partners in other countries, donors and international organizations, so that through our joint efforts we can create the conditions and mechanisms for turning Armenia into a regional technology and innovation centre.

The focus should be on a kind of "broad coalition", which will unite educational institutions, leading IT-companies, professional associations of Armenia and network operators.
 
Yes we have set ourselves a very difficult task, but we know that we have to overcome many obstacles and difficulties, in order to find the solution. The alternative - to be a mediocre player – is not only unacceptable, but also dangerous. We are rightly proud of our past, but it is not enough. Only by acting together we can create a future where we reclaim our leading position and break the mould in science and technology.