The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a new phase of development characterized by the rapid advancement of digital technologies and their widespread application across various fields. This revolution is driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and other advanced technologies, leading to profound transformations in the economy and other sectors.
The Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIM), established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated January 6, 2021, aims to strengthen the country’s position amid emerging global realities, ensure maximum benefit from advanced technological opportunities, and coordinate cooperation with international organizations in this field. The Center facilitates collaboration and coordination between the Republic of Azerbaijan and international institutions engaged in Fourth Industrial Revolution initiatives and analyzes challenges, strategies, projects, and initiatives related to the digital economy.
On January 21, 2020, within the framework of the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos, Switzerland, a Letter of Intent was signed between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the President of the World Economic Forum, Mr. Børge Brende, regarding the establishment of a C4IR Affiliate Center in Azerbaijan. Based on this agreement, the Azerbaijani Affiliate Center of the WEF's Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Network was created — the first of its kind in the CIS region. Since April 1, 2021, the activities of this Affiliate Center have been coordinated by 4SIM.
4SIM collaborates with other WEF centers and platforms working on AI, machine learning, IoT, urban transformation, digital commerce, and the digital economy. Through these platforms, various initiatives are being implemented in many sectors of the economy. The Center promotes the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies (4IR), conducts training and awareness programs, carries out research on industrial and digital transformation, and prepares studies and roadmaps for the application of new technologies. It also engages in experience exchange and cooperation with international organizations, academic institutions, and the business sector.
A research paper developed by the Center highlights successful 4IR technology solutions applicable to different sectors of the economy, aiming to strengthen business management strategies and promote efficient use of resources.
To meet the growing demand for high-performance computing and provide sustainable and flexible solutions for building complex economic models, analyzing large volumes of data, and applying artificial intelligence technologies, the Ministry of Economy is working on establishing a supercomputer infrastructure. This infrastructure is also planned to be used for the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, investment modeling, research activities, and more. In addition to public institutions, access to this infrastructure will also be available to the private sector and civil society.
In response to the rapid development of digital technologies and the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), 4SIM is implementing the "Industry 4.0 Readiness" Program. The purpose of the program is to support the integration of local enterprises into Industry 4.0 technologies, increase operational efficiency, and encourage innovation, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness and contributing to the overall development of the national economy. Within the framework of the program, enterprises are assessed using international methodologies, roadmaps for transformation are developed, and both financial and expert support are provided. Interested individuals and legal entities can register on the platform industry4.az to participate in the program, which is free of charge.
4SIM is also implementing several projects to enhance knowledge and skills in 4IR technologies and to develop a competitive workforce in the labor market. Since 2023, the “4IR Academy” project has been launched in cooperation with the Education Development Fund under the Ministry of Science and Education. As part of the Academy, 10,000 people benefitted from free training on the world’s largest online learning platform “Coursera” in one year, with over 4,200 international certificates awarded to successful participants. Under the “National Program,” which started on April 1, 2025, tens of thousands of Azerbaijani citizens are expected to benefit from Coursera courses over the course of a year. Citizens of Azerbaijan, regardless of age or employment status, can register via https://form.4sim.gov.az to take advantage of this opportunity.
