On January 5, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to local television channels. The head of state noted that if we truly want to develop science, we should not merely provide employment for scientific workers, but must undertake reforms. This is inevitable. If we do not do this, there will be certain limitations to development.
Commenting on the topic to AzEdu.az, Zahid Mammadov, Doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor from Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkey, stated that the ideas expressed by President Ilham Aliyev in his interview with local television channels reveal a new, fundamental approach to the essence of science and intellectual development for Azerbaijan:
“The head of state particularly emphasized that one of the main theses is that scientific development is possible not merely by providing employment for scientific workers, but by implementing systematic reforms. Of course, this approach is based on reality and is an important call regarding the prevention of future risks. For a long time in the post-Soviet space, one of the main problems in the field of science was the confusion between the concept of scientific employment and scientific productivity. A large number of scientific institutions and an increase in the number of scientists do not yet mean scientific development or scientific productivity. Therefore, this potential must be directed towards solving real economic and social problems through scientific activity.
Scientific activity must be results-oriented. Of course, reforms in the field of science and education have already become a historical necessity. Thus, one of the most important indicators is that scientific activity should be based on real results, and the links between universities, science, and the economy should be strengthened. Following the depletion of oil and gas, especially in light of Mr. President's warning, it is clearly demonstrated that the foundation of our future is linked to the development of intellectual capital, rather than material resources.
At the same time, the ideas expressed regarding the development of science should be presented as a strategic development stage of national security. Reforms in science and education, from this perspective, are not a technical issue but one of the main factors determining the future destiny of the state. In response to this call, the scientific community and universities must restructure their activities, and a transition from formal existence to real science must be ensured. Because where there are no reforms, there will be no development”.
