THE INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION PROCESS IN AZERBAIJAN

Higher education plays a crucial role in fostering technological progress and driving innovative development in national economies. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively analyse the state of higher education development in Azerbaijan, determine the level of government support, assess the quality of educational services, identify the attractiveness of the education system for foreign citizens, as well as to explore existing challenges, the extent to which innovative teaching methods are implemented in the training of specialists for the national economy, and prospects for improving the educational process of future economists. The following research methods were employed such as the observation method, data grouping, statistical analysis, and data comparison. Additionally, the authors provided an expert evaluation of the higher education system in Azerbaijan by applying SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the current educational framework. In the context of Azerbaijan, the transformation of higher education is increasingly aligned with the priorities of economic diversification, the digital economy, and global integration. The system of professional training is expected to respond effectively to the demands of both the public sector and private business entities, ensuring the preparation of specialists who can compete internationally. This paper analyses key challenges facing the higher education system in Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC). The study is grounded in the author’s long-term teaching experience in the fields of Organizational Culture, Behavioural Sciences, Business Ethics, Negotiation Methods, Business Organization and Management, Technology Management, Innovation Management, and Strategic Management. These disciplines were taught across various higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, including Western University, Baku Business University, Azerbaijan Private University, Azerbaijan Institute of National Economy under the Cabinet of Ministers, ASOA, and UNEC. The time frame of this academic engagement spans from 1994 to 2009 and continues from 2017 to the present, providing a comprehensive longitudinal perspective. The paper highlights the need to modernise curricula, introduce non-standard methods of analysis, and encourage creative and critical thinking in students. It emphasizes the role of interdisciplinary integration and the relevance of soft skills and digital competences in shaping the next generation of economists and business professionals. Special attention is paid to the effective use of ICT, e-learning platforms, and simulation-based learning, as well as the development of student autonomy, responsibility, and the capacity for self-directed learning. In conclusions the author presents a set of methodological recommendations aimed at enhancing innovative transformations within the teaching and learning processes at Azerbaijani universities. These include updating teaching content in line with modern global trends, expanding academic mobility and cooperation, forming interdisciplinary teaching teams, and ensuring institutional support for ongoing pedagogical innovations. The findings contribute to the discourse on educational modernisation and provide practical guidance for academic staff, university administrators, and policymakers interested in advancing the quality and competitiveness of higher education in Azerbaijan.