Azerbaijan’s experience in shaping national digital transformation priorities was presented at an online meeting of the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network, focused on the role of C4IR centres in supporting national agendas and advancing strategic initiatives.
Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM) under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, participated in the meeting, which brought together representatives of centres across the global C4IR Network to exchange approaches, achievements and lessons learned.
During the session, Fariz Jafarov presented Azerbaijan’s Digital Economy Development Strategy for 2026–2029, outlining the country’s priorities for accelerating digital transformation across business, society and government, strengthening digital skills and advancing data-driven governance.
The Strategy comprises nine priority areas and 50 initiatives designed to support Azerbaijan’s transition towards a more innovative, technology-enabled and competitive economy.
The presentation also highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to build an Industry 4.0 ecosystem, support the technological and green transformation of enterprises, strengthen human capital and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.
Under the Strategy, Azerbaijan aims by 2029 to engage 300 enterprises in digital transformation programmes, support the creation of 250 new sector-specific start-ups, enable 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access digital markets, and provide specialized training opportunities to 40,000 people.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from 24 centres across the C4IR Network, as well as Manju George, Head of Strategic Impact at the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Advanced Technologies and Innovation.
Alongside Azerbaijan, the C4IR centres in Rwanda and Malaysia also shared their experiences in contributing to national agendas.
Participants exchanged perspectives on how C4IR centres can effectively support national priorities, strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders, scale successful approaches and address common challenges in advancing technology-driven transformation.
