The Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028

The Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028, approved by Presidential Decree on 19 March 2025, establishes a comprehensive roadmap for developing and applying AI technologies in the country. It aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader digital transformation and socioeconomic development goals.

The strategy is grounded in the country’s prior commitments to digital economy growth, 4th industrial revolution integration, and cybersecurity. It draws lessons from global AI leaders such as Canada, the USA, China, and the EU, focusing on ethical use, societal benefit, transparency, and innovation.

Key components of the strategy include:

Strategic goals and purpose: Azerbaijan seeks to create a competitive and sustainable AI industry, develop skilled professionals, integrate AI into public administration, and become a regional hub for AI education and application. It emphasises ethical AI use, privacy, security, and alignment with international standards.

Target outcomes include improving economic competitiveness, fostering an enabling environment for AI deployment, producing qualified professionals, and raising public awareness of AI benefits.

Priority areas and actions:

1. AI governance and regulation – Establishing clear frameworks, identifying priority sectors, coordinating responsible authorities, and creating ethical standards.
2. Data management and infrastructure – Investing in high-performance computing, open datasets, and natural language processing (NLP) in Azerbaijani.
3. Talent and skills development – Establishing AI training programs, creating an AI Academy, offering public sector and citizen education, and supporting AI research.
4. Business environment – Attracting local and foreign investment, offering financial incentives to startups and SMEs, and expanding AI production in technology parks.

Implementation mechanisms:

• A detailed action plan outlines step-by-step institutional responsibilities, timelines (2025–2028), and result indicators.
• Funding will be sourced from the state budget, public-private partnerships, and legal external sources.

Risk mitigation: The strategy addresses challenges such as resource constraints, data privacy risks, lack of skilled trainers, and limited real-life application of AI in industry. Measures include international cooperation, regulatory alignment, investment in infrastructure, and pilot projects.

The document includes a comprehensive action plan (2025–2028) with:

• Over 30 detailed tasks (e.g. identifying sectors, developing legislation, launching pilot services).
• Clear responsibilities for ministries (e.g. Digital Development, Education, Economy, Security).
• Timelines and key performance indicators (e.g. number of trained professionals, research grants, new standards).
• Establishment of public platforms and AI-specific infrastructure.

In essence, this strategy sets the foundation for Azerbaijan to foster an innovative, secure, and inclusive AI ecosystem, positioning itself in the global digital economy while prioritising national security, ethical use, and citizen empowerment.