II International Conference on “Digital Economy: Modern Challenges and Real Opportunities” starts
II International Conference on “Digital Economy: Modern Challenges and Real Opportunities” kicked off on April 28.
The conference is co-organized by Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) and other leading institutions.
At the opening of the conference, a video was shown about UNEC’s inventions and patents in the digital economy based on innovative technologies.
The rector of UNEC Professor Adalat Muradov stressed the urgency of the issue, noting that the conference was organized to discuss various aspects of digital transformation, which is the most important tool for ensuring sustainable, innovative and competitive economic development of the country and keep this issue on the agenda.
The rector noted that about 200 articles from 15 countries have been submitted including Britain, Portugal, Serbia, Israel, Lithuania, Turkey, Slovakia, Hungary, Colombia, Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia and Uzbekistan to the international conference. Touching upon the conceptual issues related to the digital economy, Adalat Muradov said that as a result of digitalization, along with production, people’s views have changed, and technology is leading these changes. He noted that the role of scientific research has increased significantly, and outlined the main challenges facing researchers: “Reducing equality in the distribution of wealth created by digitalization; to minimize the possible negative effects; to ensure that people’s opportunities are further expanded.” A.Muradov stressed the importance of starting the program “Digital Literacy in Azerbaijan”. He also stressed the impossibility of digital transformation and the formation of a digital economy without the active participation of the state, and the importance of institutional change in this direction.
Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev spoke about the fundamental challenges of digitalization in the education system. He said that most of the classical subjects in the modern education system have lost their relevance, and subjects that require digital knowledge and skills have come to the fore, adding that informatics will be included in the entrance exams. Emphasizing the importance of measuring digital literacy and skills, the Minister stressed that Azerbaijan will join the ISELS assessment project conducted by the International Assessment Association in May 2023.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee Tahir Mirkishili spoke about the radical changes created by digitalization in the economy. Noting that digitalization has created new tools in the economy, increased transparency and accelerated economic development, the committee chairman said that the creation of business platforms is one of the biggest advantages of digitalization. T. Mirkishili also touched upon the cyber threats created by digitalization.
Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rovshan Rustamov spoke about the role of digitalization in ensuring a sustainable economy. He said that a strong economy will be built in Azerbaijan due to the opportunities created by digitalization, adding that such a strong, digital development is more resistant to risks. He also spoke about the factors that create the basis for the digital economy, emphasizing the importance of developing ICT and training specialists with digital skills.
Speaking at the conference, Tamerlan Tagiyev, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, outlined the areas important for the development of the digital economy. He stressed the importance of creating the appropriate infrastructure, providing high-speed, sustainable Internet in the country, developing digital knowledge and skills at all levels of education, as well as providing lifelong learning.
After the speeches, brochures were presented to the conference speakers.
The international conference continued with plenary reports.