The main directions of academic and innovative activity in the development of ict sector in Azerbaijan

The paper analyses the main aspects of academic research and innovative activity in ICT sector for the development of society and economy in Azerbaijan basing on ICT. It shows that in accordance with the requirements of the National Strategy for ICT (for years 2003-2012), significant results have been achieved in the development of e-government, formation of knowledge-based economy and solution of other problems. At present, the development of techno parks and space industry makes the full use of ICT necessary. Therefore, announcing 2013 the «Year of ICT» in Azerbaijan emerges a number of new responsibilities of research and innovation nature against the government agencies, including the National Academy of Sciences, and its relevant research institutions. Therefore, in the present context of globalization it is necessary to improve ways of organizing research and innovation activities of academic institutions in the field of ICT development. The paper indicates that for the formation of knowledge-based economy it is very important to create a new economic model, which provides wide dissemination of information, innovation and knowledge. Consequently, the research focuses on ICT as an innovation tool. Since ICT is involved in all other projects and increases their innovation level. Besides, the innovative development of ICT sector is achieved through internal sectorial innovations, which helps to develop other sectors of the economy. The paper analyses the key provisions of Development Concept «Azerbaijan – 2020: Outlook for the Future» and shows that currently, the main task is to accelerate the diversification of the economy, maintain high growth rates of non-oil sector, expand its export capabilities, shift from traditional economy to a knowledge-based economy, increase the role of ICT and virtual learning, computer knowledge. The key directions of researches in the field of ICT have been analysed in the sample of the activity of the Institute of Information Technology of ANAS. The main orientations and future priorities of the Institute are mentioned in the paper. It indicates that most of researches and innovations carried out at the institute have been oriented to the execution of the State Program. Scientific and practical expertise of the institute has been noted in the aspect of research and innovation activities. Special attention was paid to innovative projects funded by the Science Development Foundation. The activity training and innovation centre of the Institute has been analysed. Orientations of innovative activity of AzScienceNet have also been mentioned. The paper describes the role of international scientific relations of the institute in terms of improving the efficiencies of implementations. It also indicates the ways of scientific and technical information provision of leading researchers. Basing on the analysis, the paper shows that the structure of research institutions of the Republic is improved, fundamentally new approaches and forms of development organization and full use of scientific and innovation potential of the country are determined in close relationship with the reforms in the public administration.