Grigor Tatevatsi (1346–1409) was a prominent Armenian philosopher, theologian, and educator, recognized as one of the most influential scholars of the medieval Armenian university at Tatev. He contributed extensively to various fields, including philosophy, theology, and economics, and was deeply engaged in teaching and interpreting the sciences of his time. Tatevatsi's work emphasized rational thinking and ethical decision-making, principles that are foundational to economic reasoning.
We name the Armenian phase of the Economics Olympiad after Grigor Tatevatsi to honor his legacy of promoting critical thinking, wisdom, and rational decision-making. His teachings continue to inspire the pursuit of knowledge and the development of skills necessary for making informed and impactful economic decisions.
The Tatevatsi Economics Olympiad (TEO) is one of the cornerstone initiatives of the School for Economic Decisions (SED), dedicated to enhancing economic and financial literacy across Armenia. More than just a competition, the Olympiad is a transformative experience designed to immerse high school students in the realms of economics and finance, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a lasting interest in these crucial fields.
Launched in Armenia for the first time in 2023, the TEO is part of the renowned Economics Olympiad, which unites participants from over 20 countries. The competition challenges students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, preparing them to excel as the next generation of decision-makers and economic leaders.
Download TEO 2024 report here.
Structure of the Olympiad
School Round (March): An online test open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 across Armenia.
National Round (May): Held in Yerevan, this round includes both written and oral components, allowing participants to demonstrate their advanced economic understanding and analytical skills.
International Round (September): Up to 5 top performers from the National Round will represent Armenia in the International Round, taking place in Greece.
Building Partnerships for Success
The Olympiad’s success is made possible by a network of international and local collaborators. Our global partners include the Economic Fundamentals Initiative and the Economics Olympiad. Locally, we proudly collaborate with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, the Central Bank of Armenia, and the American University of Armenia, among others. These partnerships ensure the Olympiad remains a leading force in advancing economic education in Armenia.
Why Participate?
-
Enhance Your Knowledge: Delve deeper into economics and finance while honing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
-
Showcase Your Talent: Compete at a national and international level to gain recognition for your skills.
-
Expand Your Horizons: Engage with mentors, peers, and leading institutions in the fields of economics and education.
Preparation Resources
-
Principles of Economics, 7th Edition – N. Gregory Mankiw
This widely recognized textbook, officially recommended for the Economics Olympiad, remains one of the most popular resources for students. With its engaging writing style, Professor Mankiw uses real-life scenarios, key facts, and illustrative examples to explain complex economic concepts and their impact on everyday decisions. As Professor Mankiw puts it, "I have tried to put myself in the position of someone seeing economics for the first time. My goal is to emphasize the material that students should and do find interesting about the study of the economy."
-
Economics – Paul Samuelson & William Nordhaus
First published in 1948, Samuelson’s text quickly established itself as the authoritative resource for principles of economics courses. In its latest edition, William Nordhaus has revised this classic work to maintain its relevance and accuracy, providing a clear and insightful introduction to modern economic principles, making it a valuable resource for Olympiad participants.
-
Principles of Economics – Robert Frank & Ben Bernanke
This textbook connects economic principles to real-world experiences, helping students understand core concepts by exploring familiar scenarios such as using an ATM or purchasing airline tickets. Through engaging questions, exercises, and clear explanations, the authors encourage students to become “economic naturalists”—individuals who apply basic economic principles to explain everyday observations.
-
Modern Principles of Economics – Tyler Cowen & Alex Tabarrok
Authored by the creators of the well-known blog "The Marginal Revolution," this textbook offers an engaging exploration of economics in a modern context. Cowen and Tabarrok focus on developing an economic way of thinking, using innovative and memorable approaches to make complex ideas accessible for students.
-
Common Sense Economics: What Everyone Should Know About Personal and National Prosperity – James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Dwight R. Lee, Tawni H. Ferrarini, Joseph P. Calhoun, Randall K. Filer
This book provides a straightforward and insightful overview of personal and national prosperity, making essential economic concepts accessible to everyone. It is a great resource for Olympiad participants who want to gain a broad understanding of the foundational principles of economics.
School Registration Process
Participation in the Tatevatsi Economics Olympiad (TEO) begins with a school representative registering their institution. Upon successful registration, our coordinators or test masters will reach out to the designated representative via email at least two weeks before the School Round. This communication will include comprehensive instructions to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.