Cience policy in Azerbaijan


The value of the education system is evident from the fact that there are highly educated, knowledgeable, and qualified individuals in Azerbaijan who possess significant scientific expertise and make up the majority of our society. Without them, the economy of Azerbaijan would not be able to develop so strongly. Without them, the science of Azerbaijan could not develop . National Leader Heydar Aliyev Heydar Aliyev's opening and closing speeches at the meeting of the State Commission on Education Reforms in the Republic of Azerbaijan, March 17, 1999		After the fall of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Baku State University continued its activities in a new socio-political era. Over the past century, nearly 200,000 graduates of the university have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in various fields across Azerbaijan. Among these graduates there are distinguished individuals, including scientists, public figures, politicians, and specialists. President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev President at the ceremony held on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Baku State University, November 26, 2019

During the 30 years since the recovery of our independence, thanks to the attention and care of the State, the fields of science and education have developed rapidly in our country, achieving significant progress. The development of these fields and training of highly qualified scientific and scientific-pedagogical personnel have become the driving force behind our country's comprehensive growth. In recent years, modern science and education system based on national interests and human values has been established.

The founder of the independent state of Azerbaijan, the national leader Heydar Aliyev, is forever remembered as the founder and regulator of the dynamic development of education and science in Azerbaijan. The national leader treated these fields with special sensitivity and repeatedly emphasized in his speeches that education is a complex and very important domain: "The field of education is neither industry, nor agriculture, nor trade. It is such a field that reflects the special, intellectual aspect of a society. Therefore, the education system should be approached very carefully, and the attitude towards this system should be very sensitive."

In the 1960s, the third industrial revolution took place, marked by widespread automation in the production process and accelerating computerization. One of Heydar Aliyev's great contributions to the development of our Republic is his personal initiative and care during those years, which led to the training of over 15,000 young Azerbaijanis. These individuals were educated in more than 250 majors across over 80 fields of science, education, and culture, covering the most urgently needed areas. They were given the opportunity to study at more than 170 of the most well-known universities in major cities of former USSR, becoming highly qualified specialists. During that period, new automated plants, factories, and large industrial enterprises were built in our country. After Azerbaijan gained independence, the effective use of this human capital base laid the foundation for the dynamic development of science and education.

After gaining independence, development of science and education in our country has been directly linked to national leader Heydar Aliyev. Immediately after H.Aliyev’s return to the leadership of Azerbaijan, the long-term stagnation in these fields was replaced by a period of development, thanks to the special attention and care he showed to science and scientists. A number of important decisions were made and measures taken to train highly qualified personnel and increase the reputation of teachers and scientists in society. The decree of the head of the country, dated June 15, 1999, on the approval of the "Reform Program in the field of education of the Republic of Azerbaijan" was a state document of exceptional importance. It aimed to address the problems in the field of science and education and to transform Azerbaijan into a leading state in science, education, and economy in the region.

When discussing the role of science and education in the development of our country, National Leader Heydar Aliyev said: "The value of this education system is evident from the fact that there are highly educated, knowledgeable, and qualified individuals in Azerbaijan who possess significant scientific expertise and make up the majority of our society. Without them, Azerbaijan's economy could not have developed. Without them, Azerbaijan could not have advanced in science. Without them, we would not be able to manage Azerbaijan as an independent state. They should be appreciated, and we should never forget the achievements we have attained over decades." The great leader always prioritized the policy of science and education and considered introduction of new approaches in the management of both areas as one of the main tasks.

The attention given to the development of science and education at the state level is considered a part of the purposeful policy that directly serves to strengthen our statehood and independence, promote the progress of our people, and improve our well-being. In the 21st century, amidst the fourth industrial revolution, it is an urgent and priority issue to skillfully connect science, education, and industry, developing them in an integrated manner through the application of modern technologies and innovations. Today, in Azerbaijan, a state policy encompassing these directions is being implemented, with important and continuous efforts underway to transform economic potential into intellectual capital.

It is an undeniable fact that significant steps are being taken to achieve rapid scientific and technical progress through electronicization and digitalization, with the goal of becoming a sustainable and stable country amid the fourth Industrial Revolution. Nearly all areas of state administration in the country are now digitalized. Furthermore, Azerbaijan's transformation into a space-faring nation highlights the ambitious goals shaped by the 4th Industrial Revolution. The vision to make Azerbaijan a regional center of innovation and the aspiration to create an Absheron Valley akin to Silicon Valley reflect our country's approach to this new revolutionary era. Accelerating digitalization, ensuring information security, enhancing knowledge and skills in information technologies, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, developing national content, and creating opportunities for all members of society to benefit from information technologies are all central to our focus.

As President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev emphasized in his speeches: "Azerbaijan should be a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Just as the Davos Forum sees us as leaders, we must be leaders. Because this means our future development."

Today, the policy established by Heydar Aliyev, the founder of independent Azerbaijan, in the fields of science and education is being successfully advanced at a qualitatively new level by President Ilham Aliyev, enriched with unique creativity and fresh perspectives. The work carried out by the President in this area is done professionally and is geared towards ensuring a bright future for the Azerbaijani people, fostering greater optimism for the future. A key aspect of this progress is aligning the development of science and education with innovative economic reforms. The Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on amending the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Education" and, for the first time, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Science," have been enacted through relevant presidential decrees. The Law on Science outlines the main principles of state policy regarding the organization, management, and development of scientific activities in the country. It sets goals for science and innovation, defines the rights and duties of those engaged in scientific activities, establishes mechanisms for financing science, and provides the organizational and legal framework for stimulating scientific achievements and their application.

This law forms the foundation of the science policy for our independent state and is crucial for the development of this field. The main tasks outlined by the law address important issues such as enhancing the role of Azerbaijani scientists in societal development, addressing challenges in this area, increasing their involvement and responsibility in the country's future progress, and accelerating their integration into the global scientific community. The law mandates the development of science, the establishment of scientific schools, the dissemination and promotion of scientific knowledge, and the stimulation of scientific work. It emphasizes the active involvement of creative young people in scientific activities, the use of various social incentives and mechanisms, and the improvement of social protection for young scientists. Additionally, it promotes young specialists who have successfully completed doctoral and master's programs, including non-competitive appointments to corresponding scientific positions.

In recent decades, to ensure the continuous development of science in the country, several important initiatives have been undertaken following the relevant decrees and orders of the head of a state. These include the establishment of the Youth Fund and the Science Development Fund (now the Azerbaijan Science Fund), the creation of the Presidential Prize for Youth, and State Prizes for Science, Technology, Architecture, Culture, and Literature. Additionally, new buildings for the Central Scientific Library and the "Azerbaijan National Encyclopaedia" Scientific Center" were constructed in a modern style and put into use. Numerous scientific and educational institutions have been fundamentally repaired or reconstructed, and their material and technical equipment has been significantly upgraded. The work done in connection with the implementation of the "National Strategy for the Development of Science in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009-2015" and "State Program on the Implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Science in the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2009-2015" approved by the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 255 dated May 4, 2009 , "State Program for 2022-2026 for Young People to Study in Prestigious Higher Education Institutions of Foreign Countries", approved by Decree No. 3163 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated February 28, 2022, "State Program on Increasing the International Competitiveness of Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Years 2019-2023", approved by the Order No. 711 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 26, 2018, as a whole, have provided a significant impetus to the development of science in Azerbaijan.

Within the framework of the strategy, significant measures have been taken to modernize the management system and scientific infrastructure in the field of science. This includes determining research priorities aligned with the country’s socio-economic, scientific, and cultural challenges, as well as global scientific trends. Improvements have been made to scientific research institutions and financing mechanisms, including the training of highly qualified personnel and the integration of science and education. Important steps have also been taken to enhance the social security of scientific workers, strengthen the normative-legal framework of science, improve information provision, and facilitate integration into the international scientific community. The continuous development of science and education is closely linked to the effective implementation of youth policy in the country. Modern Azerbaijani youth play a crucial role in driving the ongoing advancement of science and education, applying innovations, and ensuring a promising future.

Science, education, and innovation, which are the bedrock of our independence, represent knowledge, literacy, and modernity, guiding our youth towards a brighter future. President Ilham Aliyev envisions securing the country’s intellectual future through the competitive advancement of these fields, ensuring they meet modern requirements. The strategy focuses on leveraging the great potential of young people rationally.Azerbaijan's new development strategy, which emphasizes the application of innovations, aims to continuously enhance the country’s scientific potential amid global competition. This strategy prioritizes the effective use of the talents of young, creative, and highly intellectual individuals, driving the nation's progress in this evolving landscape.

Today, in Azerbaijan, significant efforts are being made to create new technologies basing on innovative knowledge and applications, develop an innovative and competitive economy, and manage scientific and innovative processes in universities and research institutions. The focus is on correctly and flexibly determining priority areas, commercializing scientific results, and fostering creativity among students, teachers, and scientists, with special attention given to the development of innovative thinking.These initiatives have contributed to Azerbaijan being recognized as a rapidly developing and modernizing state on the global stage, advancing confidently in international rankings.

One of the primary goals of the recent reforms in our country is to establish the necessary conditions and opportunities for the development of innovations, competitive human capital, and a robust national innovation system by leveraging international experience. In today’s world, the key to accessing the global market is the creation and advancement of a competitive and innovative industry. The competitiveness of an industry is now assessed not by the volume of investments alone, but by the level of innovation it achieves.

Currently, efforts are underway to develop stimulating mechanisms across all areas to expand and accelerate the application of innovation activities throughout our society. This focus is outlined in "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development," which was approved by a relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Accelerating socio-economic development through innovative and creative means is a key priority set by the head of our state. Increasing the intensity of innovation processes is crucial in the evolving global economic system. In this context, educational institutions that collaborate with research and industrial entities and possess an innovative development system are tasked with "satisfying social needs," in addition to addressing our society's need for highly qualified personnel in education and science. Fulfilling this mission there requires not only a favourable "learning-teaching" environment but also the presence of talented specialists, particularly the younger generation, who can make flexible decisions. In such educational institutions, scientific research and innovation become integral to the educational process. These institutions train highly qualified specialists who are competitive in the labour market, conduct research in priority areas, publish results in prestigious scientific journals, and contribute to the development of new research-oriented technologies through patent licensing.

Azerbaijani youth are always a focal point of state attention, and their comprehensive development is intricately linked to the socio-economic and scientific-cultural progress of the country. As a part of the state’s youth policy, priorities are set, and comprehensive measures are regularly implemented to create conditions that ensure the effective realization of the growing young generation's knowledge, skills, and potential, allowing them to make significant contributions to society. In recent years, Azerbaijan has seen active youth participation in social, political, scientific, and cultural spheres. New student and youth organizations have been formed, and efforts have been made to create favourable conditions for their growth. Social issues affecting young people have been addressed, and international cooperation projects have been undertaken. Resolute steps have been taken to organize prestigious events, forums, and intercultural dialogues led by youth, establishing international relations for youth organizations and promoting their development.

“The State Program for the Education of Azerbaijani Youth in Foreign Countries (2007-2015)”, approved by President Ilham Aliyev's decree on April 16, 2007, along with the "State Program for 2022-2026 for Young People to Study in Prestigious Higher Education Institutions of Foreign Countries", approved by Decree No. 3163 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated February 28, 2022 and "State Program on Increasing the International Competitiveness of Higher Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Years 2019-2023", approved by the Order No. 711 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 26, 2018, have created extensive opportunities for young people from all social classes to study abroad. Within the framework of these programs, hundreds of young Azerbaijani students continue their education at the most prestigious higher education institutions around the world. Azerbaijani youth actively participate in the scientific, socio-political, economic, and cultural life of the country. By the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated July 2, 2013, the "President's Award for Youth" was established to recognize talented young individuals who excel in the fields of science, education, culture, youth policy, public and socially oriented activities, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The implementation of the state youth policy has stimulated the development of Azerbaijani youth, played an important role in their self-affirmation in society, and fostered their growth in the spirit of national patriotism. This policy has also contributed to forming a state-oriented, intellectual, and high-minded youth force. The significant impact of these efforts was evident during the 44-day Patriotic War, showcasing the dedication and capabilities of the Azerbaijani youth.

The personnel reforms carried out in the country in recent years, including the appointment of young people to responsible positions in state structures, are of great importance in forming a deeply knowledgeable and highly skilled young workforce. These reforms help in studying international experience and ensuring innovation in the management system by attracting young people with high educational achievements. Today, as in many other fields, the policy of rejuvenating the country's human resources is bearing fruit in the fields of science and education. The high level of trust placed in young people with higher education is particularly important for stimulating students who are acquiring scientific knowledge in various specialties.

In modern times, one of the most important tasks is to effectively utilize the existing scientific potential in our country and transform it into a driving force for social progress. To achieve this, there is a great need to optimize the organizational structure of science in accordance with national characteristics, opportunities, and modern requirements. This includes taking serious measures to improve the relationships between science-educational and scientific-research institutions across diverse and varied subordinate institutions, including field sciences. The Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On some measures related to the improvement of management in the field of science and education in the Republic of Azerbaijan" dated July 28, 2022, is a significant document aimed at strengthening the interaction between science and education and enhancing management in these areas. According to the decree, a number of scientific institutions and organizations of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), as well as other institutions, were transferred to the Ministry of Science and Education, and several museums were transferred to the Ministry of Culture. As can be seen, rather than maintaining the current state of ANAS—which was separated from the former USSR Academy of Sciences and whose organizational form does not meet the requirements of the new scale—the goal is to create a more mobile, flexible, optimal, and purposeful institution. This involves effectively utilizing the existing scientific potential and our resources in this field. In short, the aim is not to preserve ANAS as it is, but to maintain the scientific potential of our great intellectuals and build a profitable, workable science model based on this potential.

Baku State University, the flagship of our country's higher education institutions, contributes significantly to Azerbaijan's science, education, and youth policies. The main goal of the university's management and teaching staff is to enrich our nation's intellectual capital by educating young people to be knowledgeable, highly skilled, and broad-minded citizens who are patriotic and loyal to the traditions of statehood. Additionally, the university strives to train highly qualified professionals capable of ensuring a bright future for Azerbaijan.