INNOVATIONS, KARABAKH NEEDS INNOVATIONS
KarabakhOpen
16-04-2008 10:48:29
The government is likely to adopt the concept of assistance to
innovative activities and an action plan. According to the minister
of development of economy Benik Babayan, with the current industry
where almost only manual work is used we cannot sustain the two-digit
economic growth which is set in the program of the government. "The
annual GDP per capita is 1492 dollars which is a very low index,
even compared with Armenia. We have committed to raise the GDP per
capita up to 4000 dollars within 5 years.
Therefore, we need innovative ways of development," said the minister
of development of economy.
According to the minister, he is often asked whether we need
innovations.
"If we raise the yield of wheat from 1000 kg per hectare to 2500 kg
per hectare, it is innovation. If we cut electricity loss through new
equipment, it is innovation. So we need it," Benik Babayan explained.
He noted that economic growth could be sustained through raising
productivity, as well as through reinforcing ties between business and
government. "Recently the president has met with businessmen, and they
decided to set up a body which would coordinate the relations between
the government and businesses, define and eliminate the factors which
hinder the development of businesses," the minister said.
The Business Support Council will include the members of government
and 7 famous businessmen. The Council will have a permanent staff.