The scientific management of economic reforms, the application of a results-based approach in state programs, and a human-centered operational model have transformed the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) into one of the world’s leading think tanks.
In 2025, the Center fully ensured the implementation of the instructions issued by the Head of State and achieved significant progress in digital monitoring mechanisms, internationally recognized innovative solutions, scientific and analytical outputs, and human capital development. In this regard, Report posed several questions to CAERC’s Executive Director, Vusal Gasimli.

What major achievements did CAERC accomplish in 2025?

Established by a Presidential Decree in 2016, the Center has been conducting in-depth analyses for nearly a decade to support Azerbaijan’s sustainable economic development. It prepares evidence-based policy recommendations as well as medium- and long-term forecasts. One of CAERC’s core areas of activity is the monitoring and evaluation of state programs.

In 2025, CAERC conducted monitoring and evaluation across 24 state programs, prepared 32 monitoring reports, and implemented more than 100 initiatives related to state program management. The innovations introduced by the Center in this field were highly appreciated by global media outlets and research institutions. As a result, CAERC received 12 prestigious international awards during the year.

Significant results were also achieved in scientific research, human capital development, and international cooperation. Within the framework of analytical activities, 12 Export Reviews, 7 Reform Reviews, 106 video reviews, 44 weekly reviews, four issues of the Turkic Economic Review published in eight languages, two editions of the Economic Reforms journal, and seven books were released. In addition, 17 scientific articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were published. Currently, seven econometric models are fully operational in the Center’s econometric laboratory.

In the field of human resource development, participation in more than 40 international training programs was ensured, and 570 volunteers were engaged in various initiatives. Within the framework of international cooperation, 56 international events and presentations were held, and over 20 proposals were prepared under the Commission on Business Environment and International Rankings.

Overall, in 2025 the execution rate of all tasks assigned to CAERC by Presidential Decrees and Orders reached 100 percent.

CAERC has become the main coordination center for state program management. In 2025, the monitoring and evaluation of newly adopted strategic documents were also entrusted to the Center. How is this process organized?

In 2025, by relevant Presidential Orders, the monitoring and evaluation of 10 new strategic policy documents were assigned to CAERC. These included two strategies, two concepts, two action plans, three state programs, as well as one program of measures approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Starting this year, the capabilities of the E-Monitoring Portal developed by the Center are being widely used in state program management. The platform was created using CAERC’s internal resources to ensure continuous, efficient, and transparent monitoring and evaluation. It enables data centralization, real-time program and project management, enhanced reporting, stronger inter-institutional coordination, and data-driven decision-making.

In addition, the effectiveness of strategic document implementation is analyzed through the Project Management Module. This module provides technological support for monitoring projects at all stages, including preparation, planning, implementation, and completion. It also supports effective risk management and evaluation based on international standards.

Field visits are organized to conduct on-site monitoring of state programs. In 2025, in-person monitoring was carried out in the capital and regions for five strategic policy documents, and relevant reports and recommendations were submitted to the leadership.

The international community has shown strong interest in the innovations introduced in state program management. What achievements can be highlighted in this area?

The digital solutions applied in monitoring and evaluation processes, including centralized project management platforms, data analytics, geographic information systems, video surveillance technologies, and artificial intelligence applications, have led to fundamental changes in state program governance.

CAERC received more than 10 international awards from leading media organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. These included recognitions such as Best Government Think Tank and Research Institute, Excellence in Smart Monitoring and Evaluation, Best Program Management Initiative, and Best Digital Platform. In addition, CAERC was awarded the top prize in the Economics category at the Second International Turkic World Science Awards.

At conferences organized by institutions such as the Asian Development Bank Institute, the CAREC Institute, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the International Monetary Fund, Azerbaijan’s monitoring and evaluation model, represented by CAERC, was presented as an international best practice.

The international recognition of Azerbaijan’s GovTech achievements reflects the high global appreciation of President Ilham Aliyev’s successful economic reform policies. The state program management and results-based budgeting model implemented under the leadership of the Head of State is regarded as a strong example at the global level. During the year, CAERC shared Azerbaijan’s experience with counterparts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries.

Could you provide information on CAERC’s scientific and analytical activities?

The year 2025 was highly productive in this area as well. As a result of cooperation between CAERC, the OECD, and the CAREC Institute, the book The Middle Corridor: Navigating Current Realities and Embracing Future Prospects was published in Romania. Written by 22 scholars from 10 countries, the book was published in English by the Targu Mures University Press.

The publication was presented at international events in Brussels, at the 34th Polish Economic Forum, at the Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, and at the Asia Think Tank Network Forum in Tokyo.

Another significant achievement was the publication of the first volume of the two-volume study The Economic Potential of Islamic Countries by the UK-based Emerald Publishing House. Indexed in Scopus, the publication provides an extensive scientific analysis of the economic and social development potential of Islamic countries. The book was authored by 47 experts from more than 20 countries.

In addition, CAERC published academic and educational materials such as Halal Economy, Fundamentals of Public Relations, InsurTech, and Invest in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur in cooperation with national institutions.

What progress has been achieved in the Center’s innovative projects?

Through its electronic platforms, CAERC continued to support economic activity. The Azexport portal facilitated 3,200 export orders, while the Enterprise Azerbaijan platform registered 141 startups from 15 countries. The One-Stop Export Support Center received 3,451 applications from entrepreneurs.

Within the Startup School 3 project, implemented jointly with the German Artificial Intelligence Research Center and the University of Nevada’s Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, the international acceleration program Green and Digital Silk Road was successfully completed. More than 140 startups from Silk Road countries applied, and 126 startups participated in training and mentorship programs.

In addition, CAERC partnered in organizing the Second Turkic States Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum and Exhibition in Baku. Products and advanced technologies from 10 countries across 35 sectors were showcased at the event.

What initiatives are being implemented to support human capital development?

In line with the principle of lifelong learning, CAERC places strong emphasis on enhancing employees’ knowledge and skills and on expanding their exposure to international experience. During the year, staff members participated in more than 40 international training programs at leading global think tanks.

Currently, nearly half of the Center’s creative staff hold academic degrees, while the remaining employees are candidates for scientific degrees. In addition, CAERC supports capacity building in other public institutions through joint initiatives with international partners, including seminars organized in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund and Chinese institutions specializing in small and medium-sized enterprise development.