Armenia's High Technology Industry is one of Armenia's fastest
growing and most promising industries. Based on Armenia's history of advanced
scientific research, its educated workforce and Armenian's entrepreneurial spirit,
Armenia's High Technology Industry is well positioned to continue to grow in the
coming decade and offers exciting opportunities for international investors, businesses
and partners.
Background
• Tradition of Scientific Excellence: Armenia was the "Silicon Valley"
of the Soviet Union. This reputation was based primarily on the world class research
produced by Armenia's academic and scientific community in the areas of physics
and mathematics. During the Soviet Era, there were over 40 R&D centers in
Armenia. Armenia continues to produce quality research in the areas of cosmic
ray research, and many other fields of science. This tradition of scientific research
has led to the creation of a highly skilled and motivated technology sector.
• Variety of Sectors. Historically, Armenian companies have developed a
range of high technology products, from hardware (e.g., minicomputers) to software
development to electronics to semiconductors design and testing. Currently, the
strongest areas of the technology sector are related to semiconductor design,
test and production process optimization, and software development.
• Education: Over 25 public and private educational institutions are training
engineers and technology leaders. The main universities - Yerevan State University,
the State Engineering University of Armenia and the American University of Armenia
-- all have growing computer science and engineering departments.
Current
Situation
• Size and Growth of Industry: Armenia’s Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) Industry consists of over 400 companies and generated an estimated
$300-400 million in 2001.
• Software Development: Software development companies are the largest employers
in the ICT sector. There are currently over 100 indigenous and foreign software
companies generated sales of $40-50M in 2001. The software industry employs some
4,000 software programming, systems engineering and hardware specialists.
• Foreign Investment in ICT and Software Industry: 40+ companies owned or
backed by foreign firms (26 are US-based), including a U.S. funded incubator headquartered
in Silicon Valley.
• Government Support of ICT. The Armenian government has recognized the
importance of the ICT industry, and has shown a willingness to develop policies
and regulations to facilitate foreign investment and the growth of the ICT industry.
For additional information on the history and current state of Armenia's ICT industry
you can view the following reports in the Reports and Studies section.
• Armenia: State of IT Industry (2000) – by the Union of IT Enterprises
• Armenian Software Industry (2000) – by Alexander Poghossian, PhD
and Vahram Stepanyan, MBA
• Information Technologies (2000) – by Arcas Group
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