Vostanik Marukhyan: Creation of “Microsoft Innovation Center” to soon give the first fruits
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YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS:
"Microsoft Innovation Center" will ceremonially open in the Armenian State Architectural University May 11. Armenpress news agency spoke with the rector of the University Vostanik Marukhyan about the program of creation of the center, its functions and future activities.
- Mr. Marukhyan, how was the idea on creation of the center created and what opportunities will the activity of the center create?
- Still in December 2009 agreement was signed between our university and "Enterprises Incubator Foundation". The both parties agreed to closely cooperate within the framework of the "Microsoft Innovation Center" program for creation of corresponding establishment in the University. It was expected that the center will promote the development of IT sphere in Armenia. I think it will also promote the formation of organizations dealing with innovations. The existence of the center will give an opportunity to prepare and train the professor staff dealing with the sphere, students, specialists of leading IT companies.
- Who can make use of the opportunities of the center?
- The center will be open for all. It means that people who would like to deal with innovation and step in parallel to the development of the sphere can make use of the opportunities of the center. Naturally, first of all the students, professors of the University will be involved in the classes but we are ready to cooperate with other universities as well. The center will also become an arena for discussion of issues relating to the sphere. Seminars, meetings, special classes will be organized there.
- What influence will the center have on the general study process of the University?
- Naturally, the "Microsoft Innovation Center" will have essential impact on the University, regarding the organization of the study process in a new way. It will give an opportunity to invest new classes or amend the existing ones. Naturally, it will promote the improvement of the quality of studies. Together with the professor staff of the University we are planning to involve foreign specialists in the conduction of the classes. We are full of hope that the creation of this center, unique with its significance in the region, will very soon give the first fruits and will essentially promote the increase of potential of the staff dealing with innovations.
- How will you assess your cooperation with the IT organizations?
- We have rich traditions in this respect. Today we have partner relations with almost all organizations of the IT sphere in Armenia. We are actively cooperating with "Synopsys Armenia" company. The educational model of preparing high-level staff, collaboratively worked out academic plans and classes have become bright model examples.
- What success has the University achieved in preparing IT specialists?
- We are preparing high-level specialists. Today our masters are teaching in India and United Arab Emirates. It is a serious achievement for us.
The number 1 issue for us is the quality of studies. For ensuring it we must have high-level professor staff.