4SIM presents Azerbaijan’s NextGen model on WEF’s global industrial clusters platform

International partners have been briefed on Azerbaijan’s NextGen Industrial Cluster initiative and the country’s ongoing efforts in Industry 4.0 transformation.

Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution under the Ministry of Economy, participated in an experience-sharing session held as part of an online webinar organized by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Energy and Materials.

The webinar was moderated by Charles Pacini, Manager for Transforming Industrial Ecosystems at the World Economic Forum. Haji Hazland Abg Hipni, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability of the State of Sarawak, Malaysia, and Pravin Singh Pardeshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation, India, also participated as speakers.

During the webinar, Fariz Jafarov informed members of the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative about Azerbaijan’s NextGen Industrial Cluster model and the work being carried out in this area. He noted that Azerbaijan joined the initiative in 2026 within the framework of the Davos Summit, and that the NextGen industrial cluster is being developed in Sumgayit Industrial Park with the participation of SOCAR Polymer and SOCAR Carbamide.

It was highlighted that the cluster aims to optimize production costs, support the manufacturing of competitive products and increase export potential. The broader objective is to encourage industrial enterprises to transition towards a more efficient, digital and low-carbon production model, while ensuring Azerbaijan’s active participation in global industrial transformation processes.

The session also featured a presentation on the Digital Economy Development Support Program implemented by 4SIM. It was noted that 15 enterprises have already joined the programme, which aims to support their efficiency and digital transformation through the application of Industry 4.0 technologies. As part of the programme, the technological readiness levels of local enterprises are assessed and tailored transformation roadmaps are developed.

Representatives of industrial clusters participating in the Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative, as well as relevant World Economic Forum teams, exchanged experiences during the session.

The World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative promotes coordinated action among enterprises located in the same region and connected across value chains, with a focus on decarbonization, the adoption of digital technologies and sustainable production models. Globally, clusters participating in the initiative have the potential to reduce emissions by 870 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, contribute USD 808 billion to GDP and support 6.6 million jobs, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative.