Keeping up with international advancements in science is a strategic issue on the agenda, which has been discussed for years now. The state and state funding certainly play a crucial role in this- investments in science enable advancements, contribute to higher enrollment and innovations in the field.
State funding for science in 2023 has increased by 155% compared to 2018, by 21% compared to Of note, science expenditure accounted for 24 billion 957 million in the year 2022.
Here are some notable figures illustrating state funding for science pointed out by Nikol Pashinyan in 2022. ‘The state spent 717.000 euros on laboratory equipment in 2020. In the year 2021, state funding allocated to laboratory equipment was significantly more extensive than that over the previous 10 years. By 2025, salaries of 3357 scientists are supposed to double or, in certain instances, triple based on the introduction of an accreditation system.
Over the last few years, the development of several directions in the field plays an essential role in the strategy of scientific advancement on the whole. Those are modernization of scientific infrastructures, subject-related scientific and scientific-technical research, establishment of shared centers of excellence in science within the scope of EU subsidy programs.
Various specialists have given their opinions on scientific advancement and solutions to the problems in the field, emphasizing the significance of state funding for science and prioritization. Back in 2012, HayEconomBank chairperson Saribek Sukiasyan defined the role of the state in scientific advancement in an interview on Iragir.am. ‘This is not a field where cutting corners could be justified.’ The solutions voiced a decade ago are still relevant and are being discussed by those in charge.
‘The minimum threshold of funding for science, from my point of view, should amount to at least 1% of the GDP’,-noted Saribek Sukiasyan and went on to claim that a lower threshold is nothing else but a matter of national security. Lack of funding will in turn have its unwelcome repercussions and, as Sukiasyan noted back in 2012,- ‘Applied sciences are becoming less and less common these days, as well as ‘aging’ scientists. State interference and active involvement alone can better the current situation’.
Saribek Sukiasyan views scientific development as a result of comprehensive cooperation between the state and private sectors. ‘In parallel with the funding threshold mentioned above, that is, 1% of the GDP, the state should have discussions with representatives of the private sector to secure their investments within the legislative framework. Thus, the private sector will be much more interested in making investments in science’.
At the same time, while making science-related observations years ago, Saribek Sukiasyan emphasized the following,- ‘All scientific programs, that are subject to funding, should go through not only local but also international examination. I find it mandatory to pass a law on Scientific Testing, which will enable involvement of international expertise. Hence, the state will ensure fair testing and examination’.
Also, Saribek Sukiasyan highly appreciated scientists’ efforts who have continuously overcome obstacles in order to move towards the international arena. ‘The representatives of exact sciences in Armenia are quite active in the international arena, irrespective of unfavorable conditions, many are published in renowned international journals’. Over the last few years, the engagement of the Armenian potential in the international arena is one of the pivots of the state policy as publication of scientific monographs, for instance, has been one of the funded directions.
At the same time, Sukiasyan emphasized the significance for the state to keep certain scientific branches up-to-date, keeping those away from isolation. ‘Each year numerous candidate and doctoral dissertations are defended in the fields of social sciences or economics. Most candidates, though, are unaware of international publications and the level, say, the international economics is on. International integration should be encouraged by means of awards and a competitive environment’.