We are collaborating with the World Economic Forum to develop a digital transformation roadmap for 650 Azerbaijani companies by 2030, Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution under the Ministry of Economy, told journalists, APA reports.
Fariz Jafarov noted that the World Economic Forum has 21 Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers worldwide, and Azerbaijan hosts one of these centers. “Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, operating under the Ministry of Economy, was established as a public legal entity by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev in 2021. The primary activities of the center include cooperating with the World Economic Forum, bringing global experience to Azerbaijan, promoting the digitalization of industries, advancing new technologies, and fostering the development of Azerbaijan’s digital economy. The World Economic Forum collaborates in several directions. Traditionally, the World Economic Forum publishes several annual reports, one of which highlights the impact and contributions of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers. They have shared success stories across more than four different directions, including the strategy for digital economy development, the establishment of technology centers within this strategy, the digital transformation of over 650 companies, and efforts to enhance knowledge and skills in Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Notably, our collaboration with Coursera was highlighted.”
Fariz Jafarov also stated that last year, 10,000 Azerbaijani citizens were provided free access to the Coursera online education platform to gain knowledge and skills in Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. “This year, the program will cover 200,000 people. The report also discusses a survey conducted by the World Economic Forum in Azerbaijan regarding attracting foreign investment to the country’s digital economy, with results leading to a recommendation document in 13 areas. Interviews were conducted with over 100 companies in Azerbaijan, including face-to-face interviews with 15 companies.
Recommendations have been prepared regarding the steps to be taken to develop the ecosystem for start-ups and to attract foreign investors and talents to Azerbaijan. In connection with the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan last year, the World Economic Forum selected the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center in Azerbaijan as a partner and prepared a report on artificial intelligence in energy. In this report, we presented 40 of the world’s most advanced successful applications prepared by our Center. Azerbaijan’s contribution to this document was also highlighted in the report. Our Center is also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Artificial Intelligence Alliance, and our experts participate in this event. At the same time, our Center is a member of the Government Technologies Task Force. Recently, another report on government technologies by the World Economic Forum was published. Seven countries were showcased as examples worldwide, and more than 10 state projects in different sectors have been implemented in Azerbaijan through public-private partnerships. These include the electronic tender platform, ASAN visa, the agricultural platform, and several other achievements. Additionally, ASAN service was highlighted as a successful public service model and presented as an example to the world. As mentioned in this report, Azerbaijan was among the seven countries showcased as the best examples.
In addition, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, we are conducting research on the application of smart technologies in industry and diagnosing industrial companies in Azerbaijan to identify gaps and eliminate them through the implementation of international technologies. Several companies in Azerbaijan have already undergone evaluation, and we have introduced this methodology to the country. By 2030, we aim to guide 650 Azerbaijani companies, including small and medium-sized businesses, through this process, preparing digital transformation roadmaps and implementing technologies in collaboration with them.
