(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.
MENAFN01102024000187011040ID1108734219
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.