Minister Ramin Guluzade stated at international event that Armenia hinders the development of innovations in the region
Today, the International Week of Innovative Ideas – InnoWeek.Uz, organized by the Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was launched in online format for the first time.
The event is attended by specialists in science and innovation of leading international organizations and companies from over 30 countries.
At the opening ceremony of InnoWeek.Uz 2020, Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ramin Guluzade delivered a speech.
The Minister noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the situation in the world, while innovative technologies have played an important role in combating it. In addition, new opportunities have been created for online services and innovative solutions.
Ramin Guluzade noted that the development of innovations is one of the main priorities of state policy in the Republic of Azerbaijan: “It is no coincidence that the Innovation Agency was established under the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies by the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev. One of our main goals is to create a dynamic innovation system in our country that serves to turn ideas into products and bring them to the market. Currently, the Innovation Agency provides support to startups in the implementation of their ideas. There are technoparks, business incubators, industrial zones, industrial districts and foundations in our country to support innovative ideas. Residents are provided with tax and customs privileges.
Since 2018, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies has been annually holding innovation weeks – InnoWeek, innovation festivals – InnoFest, as well as startup tours “I2B – From Idea to Business” covering the regions of the country. Last year, the ministry also established the Azerbaijan Innovation Award. The purpose of this award is to stimulate active participants in the innovation ecosystem in our country,” the Minister added.
Stressing the importance of international cooperation for the development of innovations, Ramin Guluzade said that Uzbekistan also pays special attention to the development of innovation and noted the need to create a regional platform for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in this area: “Through such a platform, it is possible to create a single database on the innovation ecosystem, create a regional startup portal and a single online learning platform, organize joint acceleration and exchange programs for startups, as well as interact by creating a network of venture funds and angel investors, and we are ready to cooperate in this direction.”
The Minister also informed the participants of the event that as a result of the shelling of Azerbaijan’s residential areas, located far from the conflict zone, by the Armenian armed forces with ballistic missiles prohibited by international law civilians were killed and seriously injured, as well as civilian infrastructure was damaged. He noted that along with the pandemic, Azerbaijan is taking steps in response to Armenia’s aggression, which hinders the development of innovations in the region.
At the end of his speech, Ramin Guluzade wished success to the work of the International Week of Innovative Ideas – InnoWeek.Uz and expressed confidence that this event will be effective for the development of innovations.
It should be noted that within the framework of InnoWeek.Uz-2020, the International Innovation and Investment Forum, International Innovation Exhibition, International Robotics Challenge, Joint Regional Seminar, International Youth Innovation Forum, webinar with the participation of experts from the European Union – Horizon Europe, presentation of the Development Bank platform, the presentation of the badge “Leader of Innovative Ideas” and awarding the winners of the competition for the best article on the topic “Science and Development” will take place.
