THE ROLE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE FORMATION OF THE INFORMATION SOCIETY: GLOBAL EXPERIENCE AND THE AZERBAIJANI CONTEXT

This article examines the historical development, conceptual foundations, and global models of the information society, with a particular focus on the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education and public administration. The approaches of leading scholars such as Y. Hayashi, D. Bell, E. Toffler, and M. Castells are analyzed, alongside an exploration of the information society models in the United States, Europe, and Eastern countries. In the Azerbaijani context, digital transformation, "E-government" initiatives, and the integration of ICT into the education system are evaluated as key directions of modern development. The study highlights that, alongside technological progress, preserving social and cultural values, ensuring social justice, and providing equal access to knowledge are of paramount importance. By comparing international experiences with national strategies, the article underscores Azerbaijan’s integration into the global information society and the challenges ahead for sustainable digital development.