E4-Yerevan Workshop
| Title | Fourth National event – Workshop |
| Venue | National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia Facultiy of Construction and Chair-holder of Informatics, Computing Technologies and Management Systems |
| Date | February 28, 2020 |
| Number of participants | 44 |
| Professional profile | 11 teachers 7 managers 5 general/technical managers 4 employees (sales managers) 6 researchers 8 students |
| Represented sectors | 19 Industry (Information Technology) 25 Education and Science |
Brief Summary and Key Points:
- Vice-rector Ruben Aghgashyan delivered a welcoming address on behalf of NPUA management and noted that the Cooperative R&D Unit being created within the framework of the All4R&D project, as well as the research projects planned for implementation in it, have an exceptional importance to build capacity of the University in terms of expanding cooperation with the industry. In addition, it was indicated that cooperation will also develop between units within the University.
- Programme Coordinator of the Erasmus+ office in Armenia Lana Karlova emphasized her readiness to support in every possible way capacity building projects, including All4R&D project, which contribute to the development of educational and research infrastructure not only in individual universities, but also in the country as a whole.
- Prof. Margarov, in his core presentation, recalled the plan for creating the R&D Unit and focused on synergy with other Erasmus+ projects as part of the creation of a single Center of Excellence in Digital Technologies. He reported on the Joint research proposal from universities of Armenia, Russia and Belarus submitted for funding by National Authorized Bodies, as well as 2 joint research proposals from universities of
Armenia and Russia are being prepared for submission for funding. - Director of the Institute, Dr. Hrachya Astsatryan and Dr. Sergey Abrahamyan described in detail the research projects presented by the IIAP NAS RA.
- NUACA representative Gohar Avetisyan presented in detail Research Projects proposed for implementation in the new R&D Unit.
- This was followed by a Q & A session and a keen interested discussion in which many representatives of the information technology industry took an active part.
Notable quotes:
- R&D Unit The unit creates good prospects for cooperation not only between the University and industry, but also between departments within the University.
- Joint participation of students of various levels in research projects will contribute to the development of practical skills, including teamwork.
- Cooperative R&D Unit will create truly universal innovative zone, which will be designed to provide a convenient and effective opportunity of modern research, development and education.
- With this kind of cooperation employers will have the wider opportunity to participate actively in shaping the human resources of Armenia and high-level selection of specialists for employment.
- Such events with the participation of representatives of universities and industry should be carried out more often, perhaps in a narrower and more targeted format, as well as in a less formal setting.
Comments and Observations:
Both universities and industrial enterprises are extremely interested in expanding cooperation for research, development and education. Involving students and teachers in cooperative research projects with the industry and foreign partners can allow not only developing research, development and education, but also solving the staff problems of companies, especially small and medium-sized companies in the private sector based on international best practices.
Digital technologies and information infrastructure equipped with modern computers is the right way for the development of multilateral and multidisciplinary cooperation between the academy and industry.
Sophisticated and reasonable digitalisation of research and education is intended to promote harmonious innovative development at the national and international levels.