Azerbaijan's Baku Presents Digital Transformation Platform For Smes (PHOTO) (UPDATE)

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. Baku has hosted a presentation of a platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) digitize, Trend reports.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Development and transport of Azerbaijan Samir Mammadov, Chairman of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) Orkhan Mammadov, Chairperson of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA) Inara Valiyeva, and several other officials.

To note, the platform's aim is to support SMEs in their digital transformation, explore their needs, identify challenges faced by entrepreneurs in adopting digital technologies, and find solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Samir Mammadov pointed out that a series of initiatives have been introduced in Azerbaijan to enhance the skills of SMEs.

"There are several initiatives to improve the qualification of SMEs, including the "CTO-as-a-Service Voucher" program, which offers consulting services for the development of IT strategies and the implementation of new solutions. The legislative initiatives in the field of digitalization have created favorable conditions for rapid transformations. In particular, the introduction of the "mygov" system allows individuals to present personal documents and data digitally, simplifying access to government services and reducing paperwork.

Additionally, the "Online Azerbaijan" project, launched by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, aims to provide broadband internet access to 2.9 million households across the country. By the end of 2024, all homes and businesses are expected to be connected to high-speed networks," he said.

The official also mentioned that the complete implementation of all stages of the digital transformation program for SMEs in Azerbaijan is expected by the beginning of 2025.

"The central element of the program is the Digital Maturity Index, which allows companies to assess their level of digitalization and determine further developmental steps. Special workshops are planned for enterprises with low digital maturity, while those with higher levels will receive tailored digital transformation strategies.

The introduction of cloud and other solutions, financial support, and access to specific grants will be key factors in enhancing business efficiency by 2025. The digitalization of SMEs is expected to make a significant contribution to the nation's economy, creating new jobs and fostering economic growth," he added.

Another speaker of the event, Elturan Ahmadbayli, head of the SME digitalization program, said that the program is currently in its third phase.

"The program consists of four implementation phases. According to the project leader, the program includes the following phases: market research, analysis of global experiences and local SMEs, meetings with suppliers, and the implementation of projects within the program.

The second phase, titled 'Program Concept Development', focused on three main areas: creating the Digital Competence Index (RYI), establishing a platform for RYI assessment, and engaging with suppliers.

The third phase, aimed at preparing for implementation, involves several key steps: forming a supplier selection committee, developing financial mechanisms, creating new digital products, and promoting SMEs in international markets," he explained.

Ahmadbayli mentioned that the full implementation of the program is planned for the first quarter of 2025.

Executive Director of the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Azerbaijan) Fariz Jafarov said that Azerbaijan plans to digitalize 650 companies by 2030 as part of its enterprise digitalization strategy.

"The digitization of SMEs will elevate their operations to a new level and enhance competitiveness. Jafarov noted that collaboration between businesses, citizens, and government institutions has already yielded significant successes in the country. The digital economy development strategy, involving 18 government agencies, aims to digitalize around 650 companies by 2030," he pointed out.

Jafarov mentioned that digitalization will be the name of the game in boosting productivity and paving the way for sustainable business development.

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