The Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan held a press conference presenting the results of its activities in 2025.

Executive Director of 4SİM Fariz Jafarov provided an overview of the Center’s work over the past year, highlighting initiatives supporting the digital transformation of industrial enterprises, the promotion of innovation-driven development, and the enhancement of digital skills among human capital, among other areas.

Supporting Technological and Sustainable Transformation of Businesses

In 2025, the Support Program for the Development of the Digital Economy, which aims to facilitate the transition to Industry 4.0, was launched. Within the framework of the program, the technological readiness levels of participating enterprises are assessed using internationally recognized methodologies. Based on the results of these assessments, individual technological transformation roadmaps are developed for each enterprise, taking into account their specific needs and operational contexts.

Previously, the companies METAK, Azerfloat, and STP Global Cable, which successfully completed the pilot phase of the program, received support for their digital transformation. These enterprises are currently implementing the transformation roadmaps prepared for them. The program is expected to generate an EBITDA increase of approximately 5–8% for participating enterprises.

During 2025, the diagnostic assessment process was completed for 15 additional enterprises operating in sectors such as industry, construction, metallurgy, and retail. In collaboration with local and international partners, transformation roadmaps were developed for these companies. During the implementation phase, enterprises will be provided with financial and professional expert support.

The Industry 4.0 transformation provides enterprises with significant advantages, including optimization of engineering and operational costs, increased productivity, substantial improvements in production quality, and more efficient resource utilization. This approach enables companies to operate in a more agile, competitive, and sustainable manner.

By 2030, the program aims to involve more than 60 local enterprises in digital and sustainable transformation processes. Participation in the program is fully free of charge, and industrial enterprises can access further information through the industry4.az platform.

Human Capital Development

In 2025, 4SİM implemented several initiatives aimed at strengthening human capital to support the country’s transition to a digital economy.

Within the framework of the 4IR Academy, launched in 2023, Azerbaijani citizens have gained free access to courses on Coursera, one of the world’s largest online learning platforms. To date, more than 60,000 citizens of Azerbaijan have improved their knowledge and skills in fields such as artificial intelligence, programming, data analytics, and other advanced technologies through the platform.

Participants have applied for over 260,000 courses, and those who successfully completed the programs have received more than 90,000 international certificates.

Another important initiative under the 4IR Academy is the National Program, launched in April 2025, which aims to enhance digital skills, promote innovation-oriented thinking, accelerate the integration of new technologies, and create broad opportunities for participants to develop their knowledge and competencies.

Through the program, Azerbaijani citizens - regardless of age or employment status - have gained free access to more than 13,000 courses offered by over 375 leading universities and technology companies worldwide on the Coursera platform. Beginning in 2026, the number of available courses has increased to 18,000.

To improve accessibility, 2,500 courses have been translated with Azerbaijani subtitles, while the 15 most in-demand courses have been dubbed using artificial intelligence–based deepfake technology. Additionally, the National Program interface on Coursera has been made available in the Azerbaijani language.

The program covers all regions of the country, and by April 2026, a total of 70,000 citizens are expected to benefit from the initiative. While the majority of users are between 21 and 30 years old, the program attracts participants from diverse age groups. The youngest participant is 8 years old, and the oldest is 87. Women account for 56% of program users.

Another key initiative supporting human capital development is internship programs implemented by 4SİM. In 2025, more than 500 young people gained practical experience through five internship programs in fields such as the digital economy, project management, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies. Through these programs, participants have strengthened their practical skills and enhanced their competitiveness in the labor market.

International Cooperation

In 2025, 4SİM also launched a new project focused on human capital development. Within the framework of cooperation with the World Economic Forum, the “Azerbaijan Skills Accelerator” initiative will develop a comprehensive action plan to address skills gaps in the country’s labor market. Implemented in collaboration with the private sector, educational institutions, and international partners, the project aims to ensure a more effective balance between labor market demand and supply.

In addition, as part of its activities supporting sustainable development, 4SİM collaborated with local partners to develop 40 practical solutions for applying artificial intelligence technologies to improve energy efficiency. These solutions were featured in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 report titled “The AI Energy Paradox.”

In January 2026, within the framework of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, 4SİM participated in three panel sessions. For the first time, 4SİM and SOCAR jointly organized a session titled “Accelerating the Energy Transition through Technological Transformation: AI-Driven Industry.” The session focused on discussions around artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 transformation, and energy efficiency.

In 2026, 4SİM will further expand its activities aimed at promoting the application of digital technologies in the economy, supporting the digital transformation of the private sector, and strengthening human capital development.