Current Status of the Technology and Innovation Working Group’s 2026 Action Plan, Global Innovation Index 2026 Findings, and Priorities for the Coming Years Discussed
The next meeting of the Technology and Innovation Working Group of the Commission on Business Environment and International Rankings, chaired by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, was held. Participants included the head of the Commission Secretariat, the head and members of the Working Group, as well as representatives of the private sector.
The meeting focused on the findings of the Global Innovation Index 2026 report, Azerbaijan’s position in the Index, changes to the methodology, and the current status of the relevant indicators. The preparation of the Working Group’s Action Plan for the coming year, taking these changes into account, was also considered.
Rashad Hasanov, head of the Working Group and Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, noted that Azerbaijan had risen nine places to 85th in the Global Innovation Index 2026, marking the country’s largest annual improvement in its ranking in the Index to date. However, he pointed out that Azerbaijan’s overall ranking remained unsatisfactory, given that the country ranked 65th in the Innovation Input category.
Rashad Hasanov noted that the lack of data for a number of indicators made it difficult to fully assess Azerbaijan’s actual position in the Index. Given the rapid pace of development in the innovation sector, he also emphasised the importance of taking more agile and results-oriented measures to strengthen Azerbaijan’s position in international competition.
Rashad Hasanov stressed the importance of starting work on the Working Group’s Action Plan for the coming year without delay and of having the relevant institutions identify measures that would contribute to tangible results.
Vusal Shikhaliyev, Head of the Commission Secretariat, congratulated the Working Group members on the positive results achieved in the Global Innovation Index 2026 and noted that this achievement was the result of joint and coordinated efforts by the relevant institutions.
He noted that the Technology and Innovation Working Group is responsible for ensuring the implementation of measures related to the relevant indicators in the Global Innovation Index and emphasised the importance of the Working Group’s activities in this regard.
Vusal Shikhaliyev emphasised the importance of jointly discussing the steps needed to further improve the results and preparing the 2027 Action Plan within a short timeframe.
Based on the views expressed at the meeting, the Working Group put forward relevant proposals and adopted the corresponding decisions.
The Technology and Innovation Working Group of the Commission on Business Environment and International Rankings is chaired by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (https://azranking.az/az/working-groups).