Baku: Andrea Castagna has emphasized the potential for collaboration between the EU and Azerbaijan in the field of civilian drone technology.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Castagna expressed his belief that sharing European success stories and best practices could significantly support Azerbaijan’s innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas like e-government solutions. Countries such as Denmark and Estonia offer models of highly integrated systems that could serve as valuable examples for Azerbaijan through international cooperation.
Energy and renewable technologies present promising areas for startup development and cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan, according to Castagna. While there is already high-level collaboration in military drone technology, he sees untapped potential in civilian applications, such as agriculture and infrastructure inspection. Castagna also highlighted the possibilities in AI for drone navigation and robotics, suggesting that these areas are ripe for partnership at the startup level.
Castagna pointed to the Horizon programme as a successful European model that could be adapted to Azerbaijan’s context. The program provides substantial funding to support research, innovation, and competitiveness. However, he acknowledged the challenges Azerbaijan faces in accessing Horizon funding due to its non-EU status, and suggested that this could be a topic for future political discussions between Baku and Brussels.
European initiatives offer valuable lessons for strengthening Azerbaijan’s government support for innovation, Castagna noted. He mentioned capacity-building opportunities promoted by development agencies from EU member states, such as Germany’s GIZ, and the potential for collaboration through the Eastern Partnership and its Civil Society Forum. Castagna also highlighted the role of local and regional authorities in fostering innovation, citing his experience with the European Committee of the Regions.
Building strategic partnerships with European organizations and investors is crucial for developing Azerbaijan’s technology and innovation ecosystem, according to Castagna. He urged Azerbaijani innovators to increase their visibility in Europe through forums and startup networks, and suggested that civil society could help showcase the country’s growing startup ecosystem through mapping, accessible data, and PR campaigns.
Castagna identified three key policy elements essential for sustainable innovation ecosystems: investment in education and talent, access to venture capital, and a stable legislative framework. He advised Azerbaijan to enhance talent development through its universities, position itself as a venture capital hub in the Caucasus, and improve transparency and clarity in public administration. By adopting European standards in areas like access to justice and anti-corruption, Azerbaijan can create a positive environment for innovation.