Working Visit to Armenia | Day 4: Innovation, Competition, and International Collaboration: The 4-Day Phase of the LISS24 Workshop in Armenia Concludes
On the fourth day of the event, the European guests were introduced to the technical and laboratory capacities and facilities of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia.
Participants of the large-scale initiative aimed at developing innovative ideas and B2B sales skills were guided through the University’s **Research and Education Center for Aerial Robotics and the National Engineering Laboratories of Armenia,** where they were familiarized with ongoing and prospective developments, as well as the steps taken to increase student involvement in research activities.
The guests were also shown the designated space and acquired equipment for the upcoming **B2B Sales Laboratory** to be launched within the framework of LISS24.
**Reflections on the 4-Day Workshop**
**Timo Holopainen, LISS24 Project Senior Content Lead:**
“We are very satisfied with the visit. Honestly, it was a fantastic program. We had very good workshops, particularly focused on the work packages, and I must say I’m impressed with the progress. We also had two competitions: innovation and sales, organized for the first time in Armenia. Of course, there is room for improvement, but I always say: the most important thing is to start - then comes refinement. If I had to describe this 4-day visit and the LISS24 program in one word, it would be excellent.”
**Sargis Asatryants, Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Reforms, NPUA:**
“LISS24 is a successful project and a continuation of the earlier InoSens program, which also promoted the development of innovative ideas. This demonstrates the sustainability and continuity of EU-funded projects, where instead of placing a full stop, we place a comma and begin the development of another competency, in this case, sales. The competitions held over these days were a first attempt, and the program has fulfilled its task in this regard, though the work isn’t finished. We will do everything to turn these competitions into an annual tradition and aim to expand them beyond the three universities, bringing them to a national level.”
**Harri Lapalainen, LISS24 Project Senior Advisor:**
“I’m very happy to witness such progress in Armenia, especially related to B2B sales education and all the surrounding agreements. The key element is the concept of the sales competition, which was introduced here for the first time. This now creates a great opportunity for Armenian and Georgian universities to connect with the global community in this field. I believe this is a huge benefit for both students and faculty. Organizing a sales competition for the first time is no easy task, but many aspects were very well managed. Now, Armenia and Georgia will join forces, and we hope that they will also invite universities from EU Eastern Partnership countries. This is a valuable step forward for all involved.”
