FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFORMATION SOCIETY IN AZERBAIJAN (1969-2003 YEARS)

A comprehensive scientific study of the political activity and various aspects of the governance experience of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev is of particular relevance in the modern era. The years when the Great Leader ruled Azerbaijan, when the course of our history fundamentally changed, and when freedom and sovereignty were achieved, are the brightest pages in the history of Azerbaijan’s independence. This article explores the role of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev in the formation and development of the information society, information and communication technology, knowledge economy in Azerbaijan, and ensuring information sovereignty. The measures taken by the Great Leader to advance the science and education sector of our country, train highly qualified personnel, and establish new production facilities are reviewed. The contribution of the Great Leader in eliminating the information blockade against our country, reconstructing the communication infrastructure based on information technologies, forming and developing the information society, establishing international cooperation in the field of ICT, attracting the first investments in the telecommunications sector in Azerbaijan, organizing our country’s radio and television broadcasting in accordance with modern requirements, etc. are studied. The decrees and orders signed by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev on the development of the information society and important documents are analyzed. This study mainly aims to study the strategic policy implemented by Heydar Aliyev for forming and developing the information society in Azerbaijan, the essence of the decisions he made, and their impact on the development of the country. The article explores the state support provided to the development of ICT under the initiative and leadership of Heydar Aliyev, the improvement of the legislative framework adopted in this area, the achievements accomplished in the field of international cooperation and expansion of the application of modern technologies.