How Small Countries Can Win in the Age of AI | Mkhitar Hayrapetyan | TEDxMoskovyanStSalon

As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, smaller countries face a rare window of opportunity to gain strategic advantage. In this talk, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan explores how Armenia can position itself in the emerging AI-driven world by focusing on three critical pillars: energy, high-performance computing, and human capital. He argues that success in the AI era will depend not on size, but on clarity of strategy, consistency of execution, and the ability to align these key resources toward a shared national vision. Mkhitar Hayrapetyan is the Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, with a career spanning public policy, technology, and civic engagement. He previously served as Minister of Diaspora and as a Member of the National Assembly, where he chaired the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth, and Sport. Today, he plays a key role in shaping Armenia’s innovation agenda, with a focus on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and technology education. His work reflects a forward-looking approach to positioning Armenia within the global innovation landscape. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx