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7-8 TECHOPARKS CAN BE SET UP AT RA NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Noyan Tapan
Aug 21 2006
YEREVAN, AUGUST 21, NOYAN TAPAN. It is possible to set up 7-8
technoparks, in particular those of laser technologies, microbiology,
superhigh frequency equipment, precision instrument making, on the
basis of some institutions of the RA National Academy of Sciences
(NAS). Aram Vardanian, Director General of Viasphere Technopark,
told NT correspondent about it. According to him, the possibility of
creating such technoparks was discussed with the RA NAS President Radik
Martirosian. He said that the draft law on technoparks, incubators
and scientific parks has been in circulation for a long time. The
draft envisages that such infrastructures should be given status of
a special economic zone. Such a legislative leverage for increasing
the investment attractiveness of technoparks is used throughout the
world. The speaker noted that the Armenian authorities have not yet
formed a single view on this issue.
Particularly, the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy objects
to the idea of granting such status to technoparks, as status
of a special economic zone presupposes certain tax and customs
privileges. A. Vardanian underlined the necessity of defining the
notion of technopark at least legislatively because, for example,
Viasphere is now operating as a close joint stock company (CJSC), which
does not provide the technopark's companies with the opportunity to
sell electricity supply or phone services. Under such conditions, each
company of the technopark has no choice but to become a subscriber,
spending much time and resources on solution of problems unrelated
to scientific developments. In his words, there are 10-15 thousand
scientists, engineers, inventors and designers of the middle and old
generation in various spheres of Armenia, who have valuable ideas
and are prepared to work for a moderate payment in order to put their
ideas into practice but they lack funds and experience to turn their
ideas into scientific results and realize them. "These people need
sponsorship of venture funds, technoparks and incubators to generate
great results," A. Vardanian said, adding that "only in case of forming
a 15-20 thousand army of technocrats actively engaged in their business
in Armenia, it would be possible to ensure an irreversible development
of high technologies in the country."
Noyan Tapan
Aug 21 2006
YEREVAN, AUGUST 21, NOYAN TAPAN. It is possible to set up 7-8
technoparks, in particular those of laser technologies, microbiology,
superhigh frequency equipment, precision instrument making, on the
basis of some institutions of the RA National Academy of Sciences
(NAS). Aram Vardanian, Director General of Viasphere Technopark,
told NT correspondent about it. According to him, the possibility of
creating such technoparks was discussed with the RA NAS President Radik
Martirosian. He said that the draft law on technoparks, incubators
and scientific parks has been in circulation for a long time. The
draft envisages that such infrastructures should be given status of
a special economic zone. Such a legislative leverage for increasing
the investment attractiveness of technoparks is used throughout the
world. The speaker noted that the Armenian authorities have not yet
formed a single view on this issue.
Particularly, the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy objects
to the idea of granting such status to technoparks, as status
of a special economic zone presupposes certain tax and customs
privileges. A. Vardanian underlined the necessity of defining the
notion of technopark at least legislatively because, for example,
Viasphere is now operating as a close joint stock company (CJSC), which
does not provide the technopark's companies with the opportunity to
sell electricity supply or phone services. Under such conditions, each
company of the technopark has no choice but to become a subscriber,
spending much time and resources on solution of problems unrelated
to scientific developments. In his words, there are 10-15 thousand
scientists, engineers, inventors and designers of the middle and old
generation in various spheres of Armenia, who have valuable ideas
and are prepared to work for a moderate payment in order to put their
ideas into practice but they lack funds and experience to turn their
ideas into scientific results and realize them. "These people need
sponsorship of venture funds, technoparks and incubators to generate
great results," A. Vardanian said, adding that "only in case of forming
a 15-20 thousand army of technocrats actively engaged in their business
in Armenia, it would be possible to ensure an irreversible development
of high technologies in the country."