Projects on innovation and startup ecosystems discussed in Baku

Next workshop on the 4th ICT innovation and startup ecosystems began in Baku on May 29 within Innovation Festival as part of the initiative for Harmonization of Digital Markets (HDM) of the Eastern Partnership countries of the European Union.

The workshop was attended by representatives of the European Commission, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus and foreign experts.

The workshop discussed the work done on the formation of innovation and startup ecosystems in the participating countries and experts provided information on the advanced experiences in Europe.

Speaking at the event, head of the department of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies Rashad Azizov informed in detail about the ICT and startup ecosystems formed in Azerbaijan. He noted that the state pays special attention to startups and the development of innovations. Rashad Azizov stressed that the recently established Innovation Agency in the country will open up new opportunities for the development of this sphere.

Executive Director of the Moldovan Association of Private ICT Companies Ana Chirita made a presentation on the innovations being implemented in her country, reported on the Digital Moldova 2020 project and the IT development strategy for 2019-2023.

The activity of IT parks operating in Moldova was also highlighted. According to her, the number of residents of IT parks is 419, of which 109 represent 28 countries.

Furthermore, the new development trends of the startup ecosystem were discussed.

In turn, Director General of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Directorate of Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine Darya Chayka told about the main directions of the innovation strategy currently used in the country. The presentation focused mainly the introduction of innovations in the education sphere.

During the workshop, projects of the Eastern Partnership countries to be jointly implemented in the direction of “ICT innovation and startup ecosystems” in 2019-2021 were discussed.

It should be noted that the initiative Harmonization of Digital Markets (HDM) has been implemented within the framework of the platform “Economic integration and convergence with EU policies” of the EU Eastern Partnership Program since 2014. The objective of the HDM initiative is to support the development of digital economy and society in these countries by expanding the advantages of a digital single market to the Eastern Partnership countries. Our country at this initiative is represented by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies.

The workshop will continue its work tomorrow.