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Asim Aliyev

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Digital modernization is one of the key directions of the state project in Azerbaijan. As is known, digitalization is the process of converting analogue data and work processes into a digital format. It includes the use of digital technologies to automate business processes, improve the quality of services, optimise production, and increase the efficiency of organisations and enterprises in general.

In Azerbaijan, digitalization is developing in several major directions, such as the economy and education, and is currently at the stage of implementation in the system.

Digitalization of economy and education

The digitization of the economy in Azerbaijan is already accelerating. For this, Azerbaijan actively participates in international forums promoting the exchange of experience and cooperation in digital transformation and the reintegration of the economy. Besides, it is believed that the digitalization of the economy in Azerbaijan will contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of citizens. Advances in digital consciousness and reintegration processes make Azerbaijan an example for other countries striving for digital progress and human capacity building.

Generally, the digitalization of the economy is a modern stage in the development of scientific and technological progress, which consists in the introduction of a certain type of innovation in real economic practice.

The concept of the digital economy appeared in the last decade of the 20th century. In 1995, Nicholas Negroponte used the metaphor of the transition from processing atoms to processing bits, noting the disadvantage of classical goods in their "physical" embodiment (weight, raw materials, transportation) and the advantages of the new economy.

The digital economy also qualifies as "intangible capitalism," which promotes inequality and social division. In 2017, Haskell and Westlake published the book Capitalism without Capital, which raises concerns about the inability of policymakers to adapt to the transition from the traditional economy to the new economy based on intangibles.

The digitalization of education is an educational and upbringing activity based on a predominantly digital form of presentation of educational and management information, as well as modern technologies for its storage and processing, allowing for significant improvement in the quality of the educational process and its management.

According to some proven analysis, the digital education system can make students' knowledge more transparent and informative. This is facilitated by real-time knowledge checks and automatically generated reports.

For example, the Digital Skills project is implemented in 202 educational institutions in Azerbaijan. The implementation of this project makes it possible to make the learning process differentiated, to build it taking into account the needs of each individual student, corresponding to the level of training, and thus improve the quality of education.

Advantages of digitalisation in government system

Experiences prove that the digitalization of government bodies and systems makes it possible to increase the efficiency of public administration and significantly improve the quality of public services provided to citizens.

Given the above-mentioned facts, over the past few years, the market for IT solutions for the digitalization of public authorities has significantly grown in Azerbaijan. For example, in 2010, the E-gov.az service was created, and on March 28, 2011, it was put into permanent operation on the Internet.

Currently, ministries and other state bodies in Azerbaijan provide online services through the Egov portal. Egov provides an opportunity to obtain state licences, make payments to state bodies, and receive official documents and certificates from various state bodies online.

After Egov.az, one of the most famous digitalizations can be called the state service ASAN (Azerbaijan Service and Assessment Network). ASAN service was established by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on July 13, 2012, with the aim of reducing additional costs and time wastage for citizens, observing ethical norms and polite communication with them, and further increasing professional level and transparency. ASAN includes several state bodies serving citizens.

Also, the creation of online portals and systems such as Asan and Egov.az prevents corruption. Using the above-mentioned portals, to obtain any document, one has to pay only the state fee and not any other amount. This has a good effect on the economy of the state.

Digitalization aims to complete the digital transformation of the entire human life by adopting digital technologies. If the goals of digitalization are successfully achieved, human civilization will reach a qualitatively new level.

Digitalization will also play an important role in Azerbaijan's successful policy of transitioning to green energy. After the liberation of Azerbaijani lands (Garabagh) from Armenian occupation, Azerbaijan has been actively working on digitalization and building infrastructure in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, including Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions. Azerbaijan aims to increase the level of internet connectivity among the population by 2024. A cybersecurity strategy has been developed, emphasising data privacy legislation. This will facilitate the process of digitalization in the regions as well.

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