Strategic program for the development of science for 2026–2030 approved in Armenia
YEREVAN, January 29. /ARКА/. During a meeting on Thursday, the Armenian government greenlit a strategic initiative aimed at the advancement of science for the years 2026 to 2030.
According to Zhanna Andreasyan, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia, the funding allocated for science in 2025 has surged by about 180% compared to 2018, rising from 14 billion to roughly 40.2 billion drams.
She emphasized that in recent years, the nation has crafted a comprehensive agenda for scientific development. The minister highlighted that since 2022, Armenia has experienced a rise in the number of scientists, with over 600 new professionals entering the scientific arena, a considerable portion of whom are young researchers. Additionally, international collaboration is on the rise: partnerships with 160 scientists from more than 30 countries have been established through targeted initiatives.
One notable example mentioned by Andreasyan is the recent establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Center at Yerevan State University. She also noted that Armenia's involvement in the EU Horizon Europe program has grown: by the end of 2025, 183 applications were submitted, which is 39 more than in 2024. Furthermore, eight additional funding agreements were finalized, increasing the total to 25, with a collective budget of around €8.3 million—a 9.6% rise compared to the last four years.
The program outlines that by 2030, funding for science is projected to reach 1% of GDP, with 0.75% expected to be sourced from the state and 0.25% from the private sector, which includes incentives for private investment in research and development.
Andreasyan indicated that the program encompasses 94 distinct activities. Specifically, by 2030, there are plans to form research groups in Armenia that will involve up to 400 leading international scientists, retrain over 1,000 Armenian researchers at top international centers, and implement a program to attract 150 young foreign researchers and five leading wor
Andreasyan announced that the program encompasses 94 distinct activities. In particular, by the year 2030, there are plans to form research groups in Armenia that will include up to 400 top international scientists, offer retraining for more than 1,000 Armenian researchers at premier global centers, and launch a program aimed at attracting 150 young foreign researchers along with five renowned world-class scientists to the nation. -0-
Additionally, there are intentions to create a private investment fund to back high-risk projects, establish incentive mechanisms for the protection of intellectual property within the private sector, and enhance public and collective investment frameworks for startups.-0-
