Expert: US is interested in developing technoparks, startup ecosystems and digital initiatives in Azerbaijan - INTERVIEW

presents an interview with an American expert, scientific and political consultant on international relations, political scientist Dr. David Felsen.

– How do you assess the role of Azerbaijan in ensuring energy security for Europe and what is the US position in this context?

– The United States and Azerbaijan share numerous strategic interests in the energy sector, particularly regarding energy security and reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian energy resources. Azerbaijan is a key oil and gas producer outside of OPEC and supports the implementation of major projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, which enable Caspian energy resources to reach Europe while bypassing Russia. These routes play a vital role in diversifying supplies and enhancing the resilience of the European energy market. From the US perspective, strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner contributes to the overall architecture of energy security in the Euro-Atlantic space.

– Can US-Azerbaijan energy cooperation go beyond oil and gas, such as in the field of renewable energy?

– Azerbaijan is certainly showing increasing interest in renewable energy. In this regard, the country needs to diversify its economy. Moreover, Azerbaijan seeks to keep pace with European countries both in terms of geopolitical alignment and in meeting climate goals and developing international partnerships. While the US is currently showing less activity in the renewable energy sphere and demonstrating more restrained global leadership in this area, in the long term, expanded cooperation with Azerbaijan and other Central Asian countries is anticipated. Given the region’s potential in solar and wind energy, such cooperation may open new prospects for bilateral and regional integration. American technological support and investment could also play an important role in the sustainable development of Azerbaijan’s energy sector.

– What is the strategic importance of Azerbaijan as an East–West transportation hub from the US perspective? How can the United States support the development of the Middle Corridor in the context of the global transformation of supply chains?

– Azerbaijan undoubtedly holds strategic importance as an East–West transportation hub. It is located at the crossroads of Europe, Central Asia, Russia, and the Middle East. This is of great interest to the United States, which supports the development of the Middle Corridor — the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route — as an alternative route bypassing Russia. The US continues to support infrastructure investments in Azerbaijan. The Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline is part of America’s backing for the formation of new logistics chains. In addition, the United States actively cooperates with Azerbaijan in the field of maritime security in the Caspian Sea. The development of alternative routes reduces dependence on the northern corridor passing through Russia, and also helps shorten delivery times and reduce transportation costs — all of which impact global supply chains.

– Which sectors of the Azerbaijani economy are most attractive to American investors today? How interested is the United States in developing technology parks, startup ecosystems, and digital initiatives in Azerbaijan?

– The sectors of greatest interest to American investors in Azerbaijan remain the oil and gas sector, the transportation and logistics sector, as well as the renewable energy sector. Major American multinational corporations such as ExxonMobil and Chevron continue to actively invest in Azerbaijan’s economy. The transport hub, which is part of the Middle Corridor, is attracting U.S. investment in logistics and infrastructure. U.S. companies also recognize Azerbaijan’s potential in the field of alternative energy — particularly wind and solar — and intend to continue investing in the development of green infrastructure. In addition, the United States is showing growing interest in digital initiatives and the development of innovation clusters in Azerbaijan. Cooperation in the field of startups and information technology is also becoming an important direction.

— Can Azerbaijan become a platform for US companies seeking to enter the markets of Central Asia and the Middle East?

— The United States is interested in developing technology parks, startup ecosystems, and digital initiatives in Azerbaijan as a tool to support economic diversification and development not only in the country, but also throughout the South Caucasus. However, regulatory uncertainty in the digital sphere continues to hinder investors, and the limited domestic market reduces the attractiveness of financing technology parks and startups.

Nevertheless, considering Azerbaijan’s advantageous geographic location and its active foreign economic policy, the country can become an important link for US businesses on the way to Central Asia and the Middle East. Provided that institutional reforms are implemented and a favorable business environment is created, Azerbaijan is capable of attracting greater interest from American companies.

– How can economic cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan contribute to the stability and integration of the South Caucasus?

–Azerbaijan could, as its market expands and investor confidence grows, become a central hub and key platform for US companies seeking to do business in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Enhanced economic cooperation between the US and Azerbaijan can positively impact various economic and social spheres. It can promote greater regional connectivity, increase the number of investment projects, foster deeper economic interdependence among countries in the region, and support peace through shared economic interests. It will also help build resilient economies that generate employment opportunities and promote job growth, while encouraging government reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring good governance, upholding the rule of law, and creating more stable and efficient markets.

– What steps are needed to deepen the Azerbaijani–US economic partnership in the next stage? Could the upcoming US–Azerbaijan Strategic Dialogue elevate relations to a closer economic alliance?

– In general, to deepen the Azerbaijani–US economic partnership in the future, the two countries need to focus on further strengthening trust and confidence in their bilateral relations, improving the business climate in Azerbaijan, reinforcing institutions and the market environment, and targeting strategic sectors where both sides share common interests.

It is also important to develop a stable legal and regulatory framework and ensure transparency of procedures, which will increase the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors. Moreover, expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, digital technologies, and transport logistics could provide a new impetus to economic relations.