The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC), in collaboration with the World Bank, held its second knowledge fair titled “Higher Education, Business Incubators, and Job Diagnostics.” The event highlighted the results of the World Bank’s analyses and assessments in these areas. The main goal of the fair was to present recent analytical work and discuss the findings of diagnostic studies and evaluations in selected sectors of the Azerbaijani economy with key stakeholders.

Opening the discussion, CAERC Executive Director Vusal Gasimli emphasized that the implementation of the “Strategic Roadmap for the National Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” approved by Presidential decrees, has accelerated the formation of a more efficient higher education system in economic and social terms. Gasimli noted that a priority of ongoing reforms is the creation of a competitive national innovation system. This innovation policy focuses not only on the production and application of new knowledge and technologies but also on the sustainable development of science, education, and a knowledge-based society. In addition, significant efforts have been made to establish and develop business incubators, support innovation-oriented startup projects, and foster an overall entrepreneurial mindset.

Navid Hasan Naqvi, World Bank Country Manager for Azerbaijan, added that the discussions at the knowledge fair will help develop a broad understanding of Azerbaijan’s key development challenges and potential solutions, fostering consensus among participants.

Following this, CAERC and World Bank representatives presented on topics such as “The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Innovations,” “Azerbaijan Job Diagnostics – Stages of Development,” and “Policy Reforms for Job Creation in Azerbaijan.”

It is noted that CAERC, together with the World Bank, will organize another knowledge fair on “Rural Development and Agriculture.” The previous knowledge fair focused on “Utilizing Transport and Logistics for Economic Opportunities.”

Representatives from government, private sector, and academic communities actively participated in the discussions.