Baku hosts international event on “Industry 4.0 Forum – Industry of the Future: Technology and Human Power”

On July 11, the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Azerbaijan) under the Ministry of Economy hosted an international forum titled “Industry 4.0 Forum – Industry of the Future: Technology and Human Power.”

The event brought together representatives from relevant state and international organizations, as well as entrepreneurs.

Addressing the forum, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized that despite global challenges and evolving trends, Azerbaijan’s development model under President Ilham Aliyev has successfully enhanced the country’s socio-economic potential, resulting in continuous economic growth. Jabbarov noted that this success is recognized by positive assessments from international rating agencies. He stressed Azerbaijan’s active efforts to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil and gas revenues.

Highlighting the digital economic revolution, the Minister pointed to the creation of industrial and technology parks, the designation of the digital economy as a key pillar in the socio-economic strategy, the opening of the 4SIM Azerbaijan Center, and ongoing digitalization initiatives as key components of this transformation.

Jabbarov also outlined measures supporting technological development, including simplifying administrative procedures for entrepreneurs, tax incentives, subsidies, financial support for the real sector, and other initiatives. He underlined the critical role of human capital development in driving digital transformation, emphasizing active programs aimed at equipping citizens with new knowledge and skills.

C4IR Executive Director Fariz Jafarov discussed the triple approach necessary for industrial transformation - business, technology, and organizational changes - and shared insights into the “Industry 4.0 Readiness Program.”

Speakers included Alik Kerimov, founder of METAK, who successfully completed the program’s pilot phase; Emil Hasanov, CEO of Azerfloat; and Alakbar Abbasli, Acting CEO of the STP Group of Companies. They highlighted the program’s positive impact on enterprise activities and productivity.

The forum featured the signing of cooperation agreements between C4IR and partners focused on technological innovation, ecosystem development, and human capital growth. Key signatories included technology companies such as Festo, Koç Digital, MEXT Technology Center, Honeywell, SMC, the Azerbaijan Banks Association, Azerbaijan Business Development Fund, and Sabah City. Memorandums of understanding were also signed with Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, ADA University, University of Economics, Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS), AzTU, and Baku Engineering University to strengthen collaboration with C4IR.

Panel discussions moderated by Cengiz Ulubaş focused on global digital economy trends, regional experiences, economic impacts of modern technologies, and cooperation opportunities.

An exhibition showcased technological solutions from over 10 local and international companies and startups in the field of Industry 4.0. The event also featured handicrafts created by students of the NigArt Art School on the themes of AI and robotics.