The Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication Center (ERACC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and High Technologies of Azerbaijan, organized a conference titled “Technologies and Innovations: Economic Reforms and Development Prospects.”

The conference was dedicated to discussing the prospects for innovative development in the country. Around 100 experts from government, private, and international organizations attended the event.

Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication Center, noted in his speech that the reform process led by President Ilham Aliyev is focused on innovation-driven development. He highlighted that innovative projects in Azerbaijan are supported and emphasized the successful results of efforts to commercialize scientific research. Gasimli also added that the implementation of priorities outlined in the Strategic Roadmap is expected to increase the country’s real GDP by 235 million AZN in 2020 and create 1,450 new jobs in the telecommunications sector.

Elmir Valizade, Deputy Minister of Transport, Communications, and High Technologies, stated that relevant institutional bodies have been established in Azerbaijan to support innovative development and that a favorable environment has been created to facilitate this process. He stressed that the Strategic Roadmaps approved by President Ilham Aliyev contribute to accelerating the country’s innovation-driven growth. This work strengthens the interaction between the nation’s scientific, industrial, educational, economic, and human resources, leading to the emergence of new scientific inventions, modern technologies, products, and prospective solutions.

The conference included panel discussions on “The Role of Reforms in Innovation and ICT Development” and “The Export Potential of Innovative Products and IT Services.” Presentations were made by representatives from the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and High Technologies, the Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication Center, Azercosmos, ASAN Service, B.EST Solutions, Deloitte Consulting, Microsoft, and the High Technologies Park and Innovation Center of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the presenters.