Armenia's Innovation Output: What Should We Do?

Abstract

In the paper, the indicators characterizing the innovation output of RA have been studied and analyzed, particularly patent applications, utility models, trademarks, high-tech exports, ICT services exports, and several other indicators typical to creative activity. Armenia is generally in a better position with innovation output than in innovation input. However, in the past, the RA innovation input/innovation output ratio, or in other words, efficiency, was higher. Most indicators characterizing the output have an increasing tendency, however, the number of patent applications has decreased in recent years. At the same time, the number of patent applications registered in the USA by the RA residents is increasing. If the trend continues, it is possible that in the RA, as in several developed European countries, the number of patent applications registered in the national patent office will be significantly less than those registered in the USA. The analysis shows that in recent years there is a tendency to decrease the number of aggregate patent applications of the RA residents. The study of international experience shows that innovation vouchers are widely used in many countries to encourage patenting and innovation activities in general, so policymakers in this direction in the RA should also consider the possibilities of using this tool.