ArmInfo. GIZ will support Armenia in the validation process for the concept for establishing technology transfer offices (TTOs), developed by the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and AI.
The process will be carried out with the participation of Berlin Economics to assess the validity and feasibility of the presented concept and develop recommendations for its further implementation. According to the press service of the technical ministry, this was announced following a seminar organized as part of the Digital Transformation of SMEs (DT4SME) program, implemented in cooperation between the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The seminar discussed the economic realization of Armenia's research and innovation potential, the development of a technology transfer ecosystem, the commercialization of scientific results, and the digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Minister of High-Tech Industry and IIT, Aslanyan, presented the ministry's vision for establishing technology transfer offices (TTOs) in Armenia and building an effective ecosystem around them. It was emphasized that the goal is not only to establish such offices but also to provide scientists and researchers with the necessary support for the commercialization of their inventions, developments, and scientific results, as well as their transformation into competitive products and business solutions. In this context, the importance of identifying specialists engaged in scientific and research activities, particularly researchers who can use their developments to create startups and engage in entrepreneurial activity, was noted.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the transition from scientific activity to entrepreneurship requires additional knowledge and skills. Therefore, it is essential to provide scientists with practical guidance and support at all stages of this process: from evaluating an idea and identifying market needs to developing a minimum viable product (MVP) and launching it.
Tatev Aslanyan also touched on the issue of protecting the intellectual property of startups, innovators, and scientists regarding their inventions. It was noted that work has already been carried out in conjunction with the RA Ministry of Economy to provide scientists with the necessary consultations on the legal registration and protection of their inventions, as well as opportunities for their commercialization.
