Azerbaijan is setting ambitious targets to expand its innovation sector, aiming for at least a 10-fold increase in annual revenue and export volumes. Currently, the sector generates approximately 1 billion manats in annual revenue, with exports totaling 100 million US dollars.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, this target was announced by Member of Parliament Azer Amiraslanov during a plenary session of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) held today.
Amiraslanov stated that the "Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2029" is designed to facilitate a transition toward a new economic growth model based on innovation. "The success of this strategy will be measured by the increased share of the digital sector in the national economy and the structure of exports. Currently, these figures do not fully reflect our country's potential. The strategy aims to increase these indicators by at least 10 times. To achieve this, we must create a more favorable environment for an innovation ecosystem that generates new value. The legislative package currently under discussion is designed to serve this very purpose," the MP noted.
The deputy emphasized that to compete globally, Azerbaijan must cultivate highly competitive human capital. "An innovative economy relies primarily on human capital. Therefore, forming a digitally literate society, developing a modern education system, and creating an environment that encourages innovation are essential prerequisites," Amiraslanov added.
Providing global context, Amiraslanov noted that the global digital economy has reached approximately 24 trillion US dollars, accounting for 21% of global GDP. This means that for every 5 dollars of value added globally, approximately 1 dollar comes from the digital economy. With an annual growth rate of 8-9%, the digital sector is outpacing the traditional economy's growth rate of 3.1% by nearly three times. He further highlighted that global exports of digital services have already surpassed 4 trillion dollars, underscoring that the future of the global economy will be driven by high-value technological services rather than raw materials.
The development of the digital economy is a strategic priority for Azerbaijan as it seeks to diversify its economy away from traditional energy sectors, aligning with broader national goals to integrate into the global high-tech market.
