Artificial intelligence could become a significant driver of Armenia's economic growth, but realizing this potential requires advanced infrastructure, skilled professionals, responsible governance, and a systematic approach to technology adoption. This was stated by Armen Avetisyan, CEO of Viva Armenia CJSC, at the 11th Armenian Internet Governance Forum, ArmIGF2026.

Responsibility for infrastructure as a prerequisite for digital development

Discussing obstacles to technological development, Avetisyan highlighted problems in the management of critical infrastructure. He said that recent months had convinced him that one of the key factors remains the level of personal responsibility among individuals and organizations making decisions and carrying out work.

As an example, he cited an incident in Yerevan about two months ago. Damage to a cable left roughly a quarter of the capital without telecommunications services. As Avetisyan explained, the incident was caused by one person's decision to cut the cable. “These people do not even consider a simple fact: people could die in such a situation. They deprive citizens of the ability to call an ambulance if someone falls ill,” he noted.

According to the company's CEO, the problem is not limited to telecommunications. The number of failures in Yerevan's power system increased eightfold over the year, from around ten incidents to several hundred. An even sharper increase—fifteenfold—was recorded in the number of construction-related incidents involving damage to underground cables.

Avetisyan attributes this to failures in the organization of construction work: in some cases, the necessary municipal approvals have not been obtained; in others, permits are issued without first determining the location of underground utilities. In his view, addressing these problems requires not only technical capabilities but also more rigorous processes, greater discipline, and accountability at every level.

Water supply, energy, and agriculture as priorities for digitalization

Speaking about Armenia's prospects for technological development, the CEO of Viva Armenia stressed that the country needs to move from isolated, targeted projects to a unified national approach. In his view, this requires more active involvement by regulatory authorities, the development of legislation and national standards, and greater discipline in implementing infrastructure projects.

He suggested considering water supply, electricity, agriculture, video surveillance, and security as priority areas for deploying technological solutions. He said several key sectors could be identified, with solutions introduced in stages on a common platform and pilot projects launched. “In terms of infrastructure, I think we are about 80 percent ready. We need to start making decisions, get out there, and do it. There is no need to reinvent the wheel,” Avetisyan noted.