Peter Nijkamp on Armenia's potential and scientific collaboration with YSU

The annual International Conference "Transforming Economy," organized jointly by the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management and The Regional Science Academy (TRSA), has brought together representatives of universities and research centers from various countries for three consecutive years. The discussions focus on economic development, innovation, human capital, institutional change, and sustainable development. 

Peter Nijkamp, TRSA Vice President, and Karima Kourtit, TRSA Executive Director, have played an important role in developing this collaboration. Their involvement has helped expand the faculty's international academic ties, bring together researchers from different countries, and foster joint scholarly discussions. 

Armenia's opportunities in changing world

According to Peter Nijkamp, the International Conference "Transforming Economy" is a successful initiative that brings together researchers and experts from around the world. He notes that the world is in a period of profound uncertainty: economic and political relations are changing, while emerging challenges and opportunities call for new ideas and alternative development approaches.

The changing nature of international trade, tariff wars, and relations among major global powers — China, the United States, and Europe — are also raising new questions for smaller countries, he observes.

"Where does Armenia stand in this dynamic balance of power?" Nijkamp asks, noting that YSU has made considerable efforts to bring Armenian specialists together with experts from different continents on a common platform to discuss these issues.

The professor believes that small countries can also play an important role in shaping the new world order by helping maintain a balance of power and preserve opportunities for cooperation.

"Armenia is a small country, but it can serve as an example for many others," he emphasizes, highlighting the importance of an in-depth examination of the current situation and joint reflection.

Reflecting on the conference's outcomes, Nijkamp notes that many ideas have already emerged from the discussions. Although much remains to be done, he believes the groundwork is laid for further discussions on the emerging economic and political landscape.

"I am very happy to be here, working with my Armenian colleagues and Yerevan State University, as well as colleagues who have come from different countries around the world. Together, we can pave the way toward a promising new economic world," the professor says.

His connection to Armenia extends beyond professional collaboration. Nijkamp says he has visited the country many times and always enjoys returning. He highlights the beauty of the country and its capital, the hospitality and friendliness of its people, and the academic atmosphere.

"It is a great pleasure for me to be back in Yerevan and Armenia, a city and a country that have captured my heart," he says.

Three years of international academic dialogue

Held annually since 2024, the "Transforming Economy" conference has expanded its geographical reach and thematic scope each year. Over the past three years, discussions have addressed digital technologies, spatial disparities, human capital, the green transition, and institutional quality.

Alongside providing an opportunity to present research findings, the conference enables researchers from different countries to exchange experience and explore avenues for future collaboration.

According to Associate Professor Karlen Khachatryan, Dean of the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management, the initiative goes beyond organizing an annual conference.

"Our goal is not simply to organize an annual conference. We aim to establish a platform for international academic cooperation at the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management, where representatives of different countries and disciplines can exchange knowledge and experience, initiate new research, and develop joint projects," Khachatryan said.

This format allows the faculty to engage internationally recognized scholars, present research conducted in Armenia, and build partnerships. Nijkamp's and Kourtit's academic expertise and professional networks also help bring Armenia's economic challenges to the attention of the international research community.

Academic foundations and prospects for collaboration

Peter Nijkamp is a professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and an internationally recognized scholar in regional and urban economics, economic geography, and spatial development.

His research focuses on spatial patterns of economic development, regional competitiveness, and mechanisms for emerging and reducing socioeconomic disparities between regions. He pays particular attention to the interplay of innovation, human capital, infrastructure, and institutional factors.

According to RePEc data for 2018, Nijkamp was included among the world's 30 leading economists. He has held leadership positions in the Regional Science Association International (RSAI) and the European Regional Science Association (ERSA). In 1996, he received one of the Netherlands' highest scientific honors, the Spinoza Prize.

Nijkamp's research interests also align with Armenia's economic development agenda, including addressing regional disparities, strengthening economic resilience, promoting innovation, and expanding opportunities for sustainable development.

Karima Kourtit, TRSA's executive director and the faculty's longtime partner, has also contributed to this collaboration. She is actively involved in international academic initiatives, particularly in organizing the "Transforming Economy" conference.

Kourtit is a researcher at the Open University of the Netherlands. She has also headed the Smart Cities & Data Analytics Lab at the Netherlands-based Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS), conducting research on urban development, digital technologies, and data analytics.

The Regional Science Academy is an international platform for academic cooperation dedicated to advancing regional and spatial sciences, strengthening connections among researchers, and promoting interdisciplinary studies of economic and social processes.

Further development of the academy's collaboration with the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management could facilitate joint research projects, increase Armenian researchers' participation in international academic publications, and strengthen professional networks among early-career researchers. 

Previously, at the 2025 International Conference "Transforming Economy," Peter Nijkamp received Yerevan State University's Gold Medal, while Karima Kourtit was awarded the Faculty of Economics and Management's commemorative medal.