Armenia pushes semiconductor ambitions as part of high-tech growth strategy

Armenia is stepping up efforts to develop its semiconductor industry as part of a broader push to transform its economy through high technology, officials said following a government council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Draft state programmes presented at the meeting outlined plans to expand semiconductor research and development, strengthen engineering capacity and build a competitive ecosystem by the early 2030s. Officials said the initiative aims to position Armenia within a rapidly growing global industry increasingly driven by demand from artificial intelligence.

Deputy parliament speaker Hakob Arshakyan said the proposals build on a cooperation agreement signed with the United States last August, which includes support for semiconductors, robotics and AI development.

Presentations to the council highlighted Armenia’s existing base of R&D centres and outlined plans to boost talent development, infrastructure and industry partnerships. Officials said expanding human capital would be central to increasing the sector’s economic contribution.

Separate proposals focused on robotics and artificial intelligence, which policymakers described as key drivers of global technological competition. Plans include attracting specialists, setting research priorities and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Deputy High-Tech Industry Minister Ruben Simonyan said work was ongoing on a wider strategy for the tech sector, centred on advanced engineering and digital systems as core pillars of growth.

Council members called for closer alignment between the proposed programmes and existing government initiatives to ensure effective implementation.

Pashinyan instructed officials to refine the plans and develop institutional mechanisms to carry them forward, stressing the importance of high technology in reshaping Armenia’s economic future.

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