A conference on “The Role of Innovation and Technology in Economic Reforms” was jointly organized by the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication. The event aimed to present the economic reforms carried out under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to the scientific community and to receive feedback and suggestions from experts.

The conference featured speeches by prominent figures, including:

• Akif Əlizadə, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences;

• Vüsal Qasımlı, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, Doctor of Economics;

• Urxan Ələkbərov, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

• Ədalət Muradov, Rector of Azerbaijan State University of Economics, Doctor of Economics;

• Nazim İmanov, Director of the Institute of Economics of ANAS, Doctor of Economics;

• Məmməd Musayev, President of the Azerbaijan Employers’ Confederation; and

• Vuqar Babayev, Director of ANAS High Technology Park, PhD in Agricultural Sciences.

Participants emphasized the importance of focusing on high technologies and innovation policies to ensure Azerbaijan’s scientific community maintains a leading role in global scientific and technological processes. They also reviewed the current state of support for innovative projects and the commercialization of scientific research in the country.

It was further noted that the establishment of the ANAS High Technology Park by Presidential Decree on November 8, 2016, is a clear demonstration of state support for sustainable economic development, enhancing competitiveness, and expanding innovation and high-tech sectors based on modern scientific and technological achievements.

The conference highlighted that ongoing economic reforms in Azerbaijan also contribute positively to the development of innovation and technology. In this context, the creation of the “Digital Trade Hub of Azerbaijan” at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication was specifically acknowledged.

Finally, it was noted that, according to the memorandum of cooperation signed on November 16, 2016, between the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, such events will continue to be organized on a regular basis.