Science and Technology in Armenia Toward a Knowledge-Based Economy (2004) / Chapter Skim
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2 Review of Selected Sectors
2 Review of Selected Sectors
Pages 24-41
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From page 24... ...
at Metsamor and the disruption of natural gas pipelines in the wake of disputes with neighboring Azerbaijan. This stability is threatened by political pressure from the international community to close the ANNP within the next decade and by the continuing reduction in hydroelectric power generation due to environmental problems caused by the lowering of the water level of Lake Sevan.
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From page 25... ...
Because of its geology, topography, and climate, however, Armenia has the potential to develop renewable energy from water, wind, solar, and geothermal sources. Small private companies are developing and producing solar hot water and photovoltaic systems, biomass gas generators, fuel cells, and long-term uninterruptible power supplies.
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From page 26... ...
. The Ministry of Nature Protection has laboratories for monitoring and sample analysis but has little interest in developing new techniques or monitoring equipment.
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From page 27... ...
The Environmental Conservation and Research Center at AUA has cooperative efforts with the Ministry of Nature Protection in Armenia, the University of California at Santa Cruz, and Johns Hopkins University. In principle, the countries of the South Caucasus -- Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan -- could derive mutual benefits from cooperative studies of alternative energy sources and environmental issues.
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From page 28... ...
Many of the same vital value chain components that are missing in the agricultural sector are missing in other technology sectors. Indeed, skills, resources, and institutions critical to science- and technology-based economic development -- such as knowledge of marketing, finance, and intellectual property protection; access to capital; and product development skills -- are missing or undersupplied throughout the technology sectors of the Armenian economy.
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From page 29... ...
Some examples are margarine with cholesterollowering natural additives, tea and juice enhanced with antioxidants reputed to prevent disease, and yogurt with added cultures to stimulate the immune system and promote healthy digestion. The Armenian Drug and Medical Technology Agency has developed several such functional food products based on apricots and other plants native to the region.
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From page 30... ...
The potential for economic development in the non-food agricultural sector, although not large, could be significant. International markets in this area are growing rapidly, and functional foods, for example, are high-value products that are easily exported.
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From page 31... ...
Within these companies, low salaries are linked to the low productivity of the workforce, a reflection not of any weakness in the technical skills of the workers but of the lack of efficient project management practices. With better sales and management practices, the Armenian share of this market should be able to maintain its impressive growth.
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From page 32... ...
The existing infrastructure, and particularly expertise from the Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) and the Center for Medical Genetics, might provide a base for clinical trials for U.S.
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From page 33... ...
Another key organization is the Armenian Drug and Medical Technology Agency (DMTA) , which develops and tests products related to human health and offers laboratory testing and consulting services.
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From page 34... ...
A closed state-owned joint-stock company called Geoeconomics is engaged in the economic evaluation of mineral deposits and mines for all of Armenia. The Ministry of Nature Protection conducts environmental monitoring of mining operations and has a role in the regulation of mining activities.
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From page 35... ...
How can the innovative application of modern concepts in science, technology, management, and business be used to develop these resources in economically viable and environmentally safe ways and in the best interests of Armenia? A comprehensive and integrated approach is needed, involving many skills: geology, hydrology, mining engineering, ore processing, mineral product development, water resources distribution and use, business management, and market economics.
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From page 36... ...
The National Seismic Protection Survey and four other Armenian institutions participate in the Caucasus Seismic Information System, a major project funded by the International Science and Technology Center that involves collaboration with partners in Georgia, Greece, France, and the United States (see Appendix I) .7 The Ministry of Nature Protection has an active international section.
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From page 37... ...
The chemically oriented institutes of the NAS-RA conduct little research that would be competitive in worldwide markets. Initiatives in chemical synthesis will have to come from investments by large international corporations in research and development facilities in Armenia, early-stage start-up ventures seeded from research programs at the universities, and initiatives coming from outside Armenia led by successful members of the Armenian diaspora.
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From page 38... ...
The program involves extensive international collaboration and is supported by a combination of international grants from CRDF, the National Foundation of Science and Advanced Technologies, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the Euro
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A group in Armenia has completed a design study for CANDLE, and in August 2002 a committee of accelerator experts issued a favorable technical review of the project for the U.S. Department of State.8 The CANDLE facility is housed in a remodeled laboratory and office complex outside Yerevan.
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From page 40... ...
Research in many disciplines can be carried out with a synchrotron source, which would help to break down the stovepiping that characterizes Armenian research activity. Significantly, the project has received the endorsement of the rector of Yerevan State University, even though his own institution has serious financial needs.
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From page 41... ...
REVIEW OF SELECTED SECTORS 41 money that would be needed to build such a machine and provide for initial operations. In sum, CANDLE is a place where investment to enable the next step might lead to a major improvement in the S&T infrastructure in Armenia.
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