From Science Fiction to Reality: Azerbaijan on the Threshold of AI Revolution

Just 10 years ago, artificial intelligence (AI) was mainly discussed by science fiction writers and film directors. Today it is no longer a movie script with a fictional plot or even a forecast, but a reality actively shaping the future of the country, writes the newspaper "Caspian".

"In Azerbaijan, the development of artificial intelligence and its implementation in life, economy and technology has already become a reality," emphasized President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the ceremonial meeting dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.

The head of state noted that an active role from domestic scientists is expected precisely in this direction: the country cannot afford to remain in the shadow of global technological changes. AI has already ceased to be an experiment. It increases the productivity of entire industries, helps government structures work more efficiently, and makes management more transparent.

Formula for Growth

Algorithms are becoming a formula for growth - they analyze huge amounts of data, automate routine processes, help forecast and make balanced decisions. As a result, government services become faster, there is much less bureaucracy, and interaction between the state and citizens becomes more accessible.

However, AI is not just a tool of convenience, but a new strategic resource. It is becoming the foundation of the digital economy, without which further development is impossible. And only countries that manage to integrate artificial intelligence into their government system will be able to maintain competitiveness and withstand future challenges.

Recognizing this, Azerbaijan is taking proactive steps. Among them is the approval of the country's first state standard for artificial intelligence systems - AZS ISO/IEC 42001:2025. The document was reviewed by the Technical Committee on Standardization and included in the State Fund of Normative Documents. Now this is the basis for building civilized rules of the game in the new technological reality.

Algorithms of Progress

At the same time, the new standard is only part of a comprehensive plan for implementing the "Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028," approved by a presidential decree in March of this year. The strategy sets a clear vector: developing AI as one of the main drivers of progress, strengthening data infrastructure, creating conditions for innovation, and attracting business to the technological sphere.

According to the head of the Azerbaijan Internet Forum, Osman Gunduz, the document became a logical continuation of many years of work on the country's digitalization.

"This is a conceptually important step," notes the expert. "It creates legal and organizational conditions for the development of artificial intelligence, makes its application transparent and compliant with international standards. Thanks to this, Azerbaijan is entering a new era of digital transformation."

Today, artificial intelligence technologies are becoming an integral part of global competition - military, economic, and diplomatic. They influence decision-making, security, and international relations. In this context, the National AI Development Strategy for Azerbaijan plays the role of not just a roadmap, but becomes a state priority.

Brain of the New Economy

The country is preparing the brain of the new economy: in recent years, the number of departments investing in the development and implementation of AI-based solutions has increased. After the strategy's approval, development accelerated, and today we can talk about a real digital expansion.

The Ministry of Science and Education is working on a chatbot that will help students study the history and language of Azerbaijan. The State Examination Center has already implemented a voice bot, the Ministry of Justice has launched the e-q