Robert Khachatryan

The 21^st century has witnessed arduous efforts of world polities to endure the ups and downs of globalization and trigger substantive changes in their higher education and research systems. These systems have consequently penetrated the age of a knowledge-based economies. In the education realm the issue is more complex for Armenia as a country in transition. Since regaining independence in 1991 until joining the Bologna Process in 2005, Armenia ideologically distanced itself from global educational reforms and did not make commitment to the indoctrination of educational reforms. However, with the exposure to the EHEA integration in 2005 and onwards, Armenia has attached great importance to the creation of a functional educational system, has formulated and implemented the strategy of revitalizing the country through science and education and put the development of education as a strategic priority in the globalization drive. Armenia has continuously expressed interest in the harmonization of its higher education and research systems, enthused by the developments made in this respect within Europe that has become a common reference point for the Armenian policy makers and other constituents.

Whilst Armenia is still in the arduous process of designing its own educational and research systems based on national strategies, historical developments and cultural peculiarities, it is facing the insurmountable challenges of reforming its educational system to respond to constantly changing global demands, educational reforms in global settings and increasing global and local competitions. The reforms undertaken by Armenia have not become definite catalysts for sustainable development and for fundamental changes in the emergent paradigm of education. This speech will cover further insights on how to further construct the mosaic of educational reforms and contribute to harmonizing an amalgam of sustainable education, competitive research and educational security frameworks. Further, discussion on internalizing the impact of globalization as well as the context of its emergent trends and impacts on higher education systems will be ensued to influence the design of strategies and models that are applicable to Armenia with its transitioning higher education and research systems.