YEREVAN, AUGUST 21, NOYAN TAPAN. It is possible to set up 7-8 technoparks, in particular those of laser technologies, microbiology, superhigh frequency equipment, precision instrument making, on the basis of some institutions of the RA National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Aram Vardanian, Director General of Viasphere Technopark, told NT correspondent about it. According to him, the possibility of creating such technoparks was discussed with the RA NAS President Radik Martirosian. He said that the draft law on technoparks, incubators and scientific parks has been in circulation for a long time. The draft envisages that such infrastructures should be given status of a special economic zone. Such a legislative leverage for increasing the investment attractiveness of technoparks is used throughout the world. The speaker noted that the Armenian authorities have not yet formed a single view on this issue. Particularly, the RA Ministry of Finance and Economy objects to the idea of granting such status to technoparks, as status of a special economic zone presupposes certain tax and customs privileges. A. Vardanian underlined the necessity of defining the notion of technopark at least legislatively because, for example, Viasphere is now operating as a close joint stock company (CJSC), which does not provide the technopark's companies with the opportunity to sell electricity supply or phone services. Under such conditions, each company of the technopark has no choice but to become a subscriber, spending much time and resources on solution of problems unrelated to scientific developments. In his words, there are 10-15 thousand scientists, engineers, inventors and designers of the middle and old generation in various spheres of Armenia, who have valuable ideas and are prepared to work for a moderate payment in order to put their ideas into practice but they lack funds and experience to turn their ideas into scientific results and realize them. "These people need sponsorship of venture funds, technoparks and incubators to generate great results," A. Vardanian said, adding that "only in case of forming a 15-20 thousand army of technocrats actively engaged in their business in Armenia, it would be possible to ensure an irreversible development of high technologies in the country."

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