Closer EU-Armenia research ties A bid to strengthen Armenia's regional research potential in information and communication technologies (ICT) is bringing the country closer to the European Research Area (ERA). Digital Economy © Thinkstock Armenia is on the road to becoming an innovative knowledge-based economy, a goal that brings it closer to the ERA. One important player in this respect is the Institute for Informatics and Automation Problems (IIAP), which can benefit from EU support and contribute at the same time to global research. The EU-funded INARMERA-ICT (Integrating Armenia into ERA: Information and communication technologies) project strengthened the capabilities of the IIAP on three levels: educational, research and analysis/policy. On the educational level, the project helped develop training modules to build competency and facilitate the participation of the IIAP in EU-funded Framework Programmes. This involved development of training modules on different Horizon 2020 topics through training sessions, lectures and events in Yerevan, the Armenian capital. To enhance research capabilities, the project team intensified contacts between the IIAP and research organisations in Europe, encouraging joint EU-funded projects, particularly in the fields of high-performance computing and computational science. It helped the Institute prepare and submit a variety of joint projects, in addition to exploring other avenues of scientific cooperation such as through global conferences and workshops. Lastly, regarding analysis and policy, the project team helped the IIAP launch a strategy to widen its influence on a regional level, addressing the socioeconomic needs of Armenia and its neighbour Georgia. This led to the articulation of an IIAP roadmap for 2015-2020, reinforcing its role as a regional ICT player and bringing it closer to European-led initiatives. These efforts have already begun contributing to the research, technology and development capabilities of Armenia, while fostering job opportunities in the country. The increased visibility and scope of the IIAP, as well as closer ties with Horizon 2020, will benefit both Europe and the South Caucasus region. Keywords Armenia, research, information and communication technologies, ICT, informatics
