As we know, the draft state budget for 2013 is being discussed in the National Assembly. Let's try to understand the amount of funding, particularly for science. 

In accordance with the draft budget circulating in the National Assembly, in 2013 science funding will be about 11.2 million dram. If we consider the government's promise to add another 300 million dram atthe next reading in the National Assembly, the funding will amount to about 11.5 million dram. 

Therefore, compared with 2012 science funding will grow by 13.5%in 2013, exactly as much asthe state budget inflows will grow, which is required in accordance withthe Armenian law "On Scientific Activity."Thus, the risein science funding will be exactly as much as the government is obliged to increase according to the law, not more.  

Science funding/GDP ratio 

This year science funding comprises 0.246%of GDP. Next year, according to forecasts, it will be slightly more -- 0.254% (the expected GDP is 4.54 trillion dram). 

In order to make this number more understandable, let's examine some examples based on the UNESCO 2010 science report. Cyprus and Slovakia have the lowest rate (0.47%), while Sweden has the highest rate (3.75%) in the European Union. 

Even in Uganda 0.39% of GDP is spent on science, while Tanzania spends 0.32%, Congo spends 0.48% and Mozambique, 0.53%. Thus, the role of science is more important in those countries than in Armenia. 

In Russia the percentage is 1.03% and in Turkey, 0.39%. Armenia is relatively close to Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. 

Israel (4.86%) is the absolute leader in the world. According to some Armenian officials Israel, which is surrounded by enemies and is often involved in armed conflict, logically should not dedicate such a large amount for science (almost 20% of state budget). 

Activists representing the "We require an increase in science funding"initiative, several experts and almost all political parties (according to their campaign programs) agree that in Armenia 2–3% of GDP should be dedicated to science funding. 

Indeed, there is still hope that the suggestions of four opposition parties (Heritage, Armenian National Congress, Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun and Prosperous Armenia) on an increase in science funding would be partially accepted by the ruling majority and government on the second reading of the budget in the National Assembly. 

Otherwise, we will see that the role of science is more important in other countries, even Uganda, Tanzania, Congo and Mozambique, than in Armenia.