Dr. Riina Vuorikari, ITU expert.
The recent assessment of Azerbaijanis’ use of digital technologies shows that 25% possess at least basic digital skills. Results reveal that most Azerbaijanis aged 15-74 do not have basic digital skills because they lack in crucial skills areas such as safety, digital content creation and problem-solving. This finding presents an opportunity for targeted digital upskilling interventions and training programs to address these skill gaps.
The report also underscores the potential benefits of digital upskilling for Azerbaijanis. While a significant number of them already possess digital skills in using communication technologies, the lack of a comprehensive set of basic digital skills and rudimentary knowledge of digital technologies hampers citizens’ ability to reap the benefits of digitalization in society. By providing opportunities for digital upskilling, it will be possible to mitigate the risks individuals face online and help citizens unlock the full potential of digital technologies as learners, employees, and entrepreneurs.
The recommendations will serve the Government of Azerbaijan as the basis for designing and planning relevant future interventions, policies and strategies at the national and regional level on digital upskilling. Several recommendations, both short and long-term, are outlined by age group. Connections with education institutions are made as formal education offers a structured context to implement digital upskilling strategies to guarantee at least basic digital skills as part of learners’ exit profile from education and training.
In conclusion, inclusive digital policy programs can empower all citizens inside and outside the labor force and education. These policies can foster social inclusion and participation in society by ensuring that digitalization and digital transformation do not deprive individuals of opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial that digital inclusion policies offer opportunities for lifelong learning and upskilling for all ages in Azerbaijan.
This study on Azerbaijan is the first to apply ITU’s new Digital Skills Indicator to assess Sustainable Development Goal 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills . It marks the first step towards better comparable data at the international level. It helps policy-makers at national and international levels better monitor human capital, focusing on developing a broad set of digital skills.
The assessment in 2023 is the result of a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. The State Statistics Committee surveyed nearly 35,000 individuals using a randomized sample of households in 13 economic regions of Azerbaijan. Additionally, separate online surveys with convenience sampling were conducted among staff of private enterprises, public agencies, students and teaching staff of higher education institutions.
The report “Azerbaijan Digital Skills Assessment 2023-2024” is available
here.
