Global Innovation Forum

DATES

August–October 2019 and July–October 2022

Clients

Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST)

Service

Strategic Communications, Full PR Support

Overview

SPRING PR was entrusted with the comprehensive communication support of the Global Innovation Forum (GIF), the flagship event organized by the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), which has emerged as one of Armenia’s most significant platforms at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation. Since its inception in 2017, GIF has gathered renowned scientists, entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and global industry leaders in Yerevan, serving as a unique bridge between science and industry, government institutions, international organizations, and financial entities.

In 2019, the forum, held under the theme “Transforming Intelligence,” focused on exploring the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) across science, technology, and industry. GIF19 aimed to facilitate groundbreaking discoveries, promote collaboration between local and international scientific and business communities, and elevate Armenia’s visibility on the global innovation map.

Three years later, GIF22 returned with renewed vigor under the theme “Life-Altering Technologies,” expanding its scope to investigate how AI and other emerging technologies impact human life, societal structures, and economic development. This fourth edition of the forum gathered over 70 speakers and guests from more than 20 countries, including prominent figures such as Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of FAST and Moderna, and Andre Andonian, Chairman of FAST’s Board of Trustees. Despite geopolitical challenges facing Armenia at the time, GIF22 reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing technological innovation and positioning itself as a regional hub for science and technology.

Both editions of the Global Innovation Forum have solidified FAST’s role as a catalyst for innovative thinking and policy discourse in Armenia, while simultaneously placing the country on the global innovation landscape.

Strategy

SPRING PR approached GIF with a holistic, research-driven communication strategy aimed at elevating FAST’s reputation and maximizing the forum’s impact both locally and internationally. For GIF19, the collaboration began with a thorough assessment of the communication gaps observed during GIF18. Through in-depth interviews with FAST’s leadership and an extensive media analysis of previous coverage, SPRING PR identified key challenges requiring a robust strategic response.

Addressing these insights, SPRING PR developed a comprehensive PR and communication plan tailored to GIF19. This plan defined clear target audiences, crafted core messages highlighting the themes of “Innovative Armenia,” “Science as Trendy and Beneficial,” and the pivotal role of FAST in shaping Armenia’s innovation ecosystem. The agency initiated extensive media outreach both locally and internationally, leveraging press tours and media workshops designed to deepen journalists’ understanding of complex topics like AI. The press tour included specialized training sessions at FAST’s offices, enabling journalists to cover sophisticated scientific themes with greater confidence and accuracy.

SPRING PR provided end-to-end support for GIF19, preparing all press materials in multiple languages, securing media accreditations, coordinating government relations, and crafting speeches and scripts for key events including the GIF Gala Dinner. The agency also implemented strategic media placements, including a special publication dedicated to “Innovative Armenia” in Analyticon monthly journal, further enhancing indirect PR efforts and thought leadership visibility.

For GIF22, SPRING PR built upon the established foundations to deliver an even more impactful campaign. Recognizing the expanded scope of the forum and the heightened global interest in AI, the team launched a multi-phased PR strategy beginning with pre-event communications to generate anticipation. Announcements spotlighting high-profile participants such as Noubar Afeyan served as key drivers of media interest.

In preparation for GIF22, SPRING PR developed tailored media kits, managed the creation of multilingual articles and interviews, and orchestrated influencer engagement. A crucial element was the “Ask FAST – Life-Altering Technologies” media training program, a two-week series of sessions designed to educate local journalists on complex technological concepts, thereby ensuring informed and precise coverage during the event. SPRING PR also organized an international press tour that brought journalists from prominent outlets like Forbes Russia and N+1 to Yerevan, creating pathways for global coverage.

Throughout the GIF22 event days, SPRING PR coordinated real-time media relations, arranged interviews with key speakers including Noubar Afeyan, Armen Orujyan, and Andre Andonian, and supported major TV segments and digital content production. By maintaining seamless communication with government bodies and securing their participation in dissemination efforts, SPRING PR ensured that GIF22 achieved maximum visibility and resonance across both local and international media landscapes.

Outcomes

GIF 2019

240+ media publications secured across TV, radio, print, online, and international outlets
Coverage more than doubled vs. GIF18
Media mentions integrated FAST and GIF into official government communications
Press tour organized with international journalists from Russia, Europe, USA and Asia
Published a dedicated issue of Analyticon Monthly Journal titled Innovative Armenia
Conducted in-depth media workshop for local journalists to enhance understanding of AI topics
Produced all press materials in Armenian, English, and Russian
Secured international media features in outlets such as Izvestia, AiF (Arguments & Facts), N+1, Mail.ru, Café Babel, OTV Lebanon, and others
Managed reputation and visibility for FAST leadership, including tailored media appearances and interviews
Enabled widespread government and industry engagement, positioning GIF as a national innovation platform

GIF 2022

270+ publications, including text and video coverage mentioning FAST, GIF, and/or Armen Orujyan
50 pre-event publications and 220+ event-day coverage generated around GIF
270+ domestic publications, with international features in progress
Organized a BreakFAST event and two-week media training program (6 sessions) for local journalists
Disseminated 5 press releases in Armenian and English about GIF
Arranged 15 video interviews and 1 text interview with Armen Orujyan, Suzanna Shamakhyan, and GIF22 speakers
Produced 6 articles about GIF and technology topics in over 5 languages (ARM, ENG, RUS, GE, FR, TUR)
News about GIF22 published in 55+ media outlets, with 30+ outlets attending in person
Media outlets independently created 100+ publications about GIF22
47 publications based on Armenpress’s coverage
52 publications derived from governmental institutions’ GIF-related press materials
4 governmental institutions (Ministry of Health, Ministry of High Tech Industry, MoESCS, Deputy PM Office) produced their own GIF materials
Partner media outlets (e.g. Armenpress, News.am) provided multilingual, original coverage
Managed risks posed by regional political developments while maintaining positive event narrative
Supported TV and online features, securing high-quality content and interviews