AI as a pillar of national innovation: Mkhitar Hayrapetyan's interview with Apolitical
3 minute read
Armenian Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan has given an interview to the Government AI Campus, an initiative of Apolitical.
According to the Ministry of High-Tech Industry, the platform features interviews with policymakers and public sector leaders from countries playing a leading role in the adoption, capacity building and governance of artificial intelligence (AI).
In the interview, Hayrapetyan outlined Armenia's vision for building a competitive, responsible and inclusive AI ecosystem. He said Armenia aims to make AI a key driver of economic growth, public sector modernization and improved public services.
Achieving that goal, he noted, requires the parallel development of modern digital infrastructure, broader access to computing resources, stronger AI literacy and the training of a new generation of specialists. One of the interview's central messages focused on AI literacy, which the minister described as a national priority.
According to Hayrapetyan, technological infrastructure alone is not enough.
Public servants, private sector professionals, educators and citizens alike need the knowledge and skills to use AI tools effectively, responsibly and safely. Speaking about the role of AI in public administration, Hayrapetyan said the technology can help improve the efficiency of government, enhance the quality of public services, detect fraud and support more data-driven and evidence-based decision-making.
At the same time, the minister stressed the importance of managing the risks associated with AI, noting that the technology can scale not only efficiency but also mistakes. He warned that bias, privacy risks, cybersecurity challenges, over-reliance on AI-generated content and a lack of transparency could undermine public trust. For that reason, he said, all areas of public administration, including healthcare, must uphold the principles of ethics, human rights, accountability and effective oversight.
Hayrapetyan also emphasized that AI should support people rather than replace them, helping them make better decisions.
He highlighted the importance of ensuring broad access to AI capabilities, noting that Armenia is developing a comprehensive ecosystem that combines world-class infrastructure, accessible computing resources, education and broad participation. Reflecting on the impact of AI, Hayrapetyan said the technology will expand rather than limit human creativity.
According to the minister, digital solutions and automation will allow people to spend less time on routine technical and bureaucratic tasks and more time on creativity, innovation, critical thinking and decision-making that requires human judgment.