“Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development”

Approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in February 2021, the National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development - Azerbaijan 2030 set the country's long-term development vector and pathways to socio-economic and environmental development through corresponding national priorities for the subsequent decade. The priorities aligned with Azerbaijan commitments under the 2030 Agenda include, among other aspects, steadily growing competitive economy, society based on dynamic, inclusive and social justice, competitive human capital and space for modern innovations and clean environment and green growth country. The new development framework notably includes a chapter on creative and innovative society (3.2) which highlights the importance of a digitally-focused society that supports cutting edge technology industries and innovation as driving force for development. To maintain our country's competitiveness, the framework considers it essential to build an ecosystem which stimulates creativity and innovation in all sectors. Such ecosystem shall include melding appropriate incentives, incubation and acceleration centers, financing models based on public-private cooperation, venture capital, crowdfunding institutions, etc., aiming to increase the technological capacities of the economy. Finally, the framework highlight the importance of competitive funding mechanisms in order to promote results-based research. On April 2, 2021, upon the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, the 1st priority of the National Priorities (steadily growing competitive economy) a new sub-goal 19 added "Dynamic development of culture and creative industries and strengthening of export potential in this field".