Azerbaijan partners with Spain to launch leadership, innovation centre in Baku Photo

Azerbaijan’s PASHA Holding and state energy company SOCAR have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Spain’s IE University to establish a new Centre for Leadership and Innovation in Baku, in a move aimed at strengthening human capital, advancing digital transformation, and expanding international academic cooperation.

The initiative, supported by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education and Ministry of Economy, seeks to position the centre as a regional hub for leadership training, innovation, and research in fields including artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and digital economy, Caliber.Az reports. 

According to the parties, the centre will deliver executive education programmes, organise international forums, and support applied research projects designed to enhance leadership competencies and modern skills among professionals in Azerbaijan and the wider region. It will also develop tailored training programmes for employees of SOCAR and PASHA Holding.

At the signing ceremony, officials highlighted the strategic importance of investing in human capital. Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev said the project would expand opportunities for Azerbaijani specialists to engage with global platforms and improve access to high-quality, internationally competitive education.

First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev described the initiative as a long-term investment in innovation-driven growth, noting the importance of international educational cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf emphasised the company’s commitment to developing skilled professionals, stating that the partnership would help bring international expertise to Azerbaijan and support the training of future leaders.

IE University President Santiago Iñiguez de Onsonio said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering leadership, innovation, and global connectivity, adding that the centre would contribute to strengthening institutions and developing talent.

PASHA Holding CEO Jalal Gasimov said the initiative reflects the company’s broader strategy of combining global partnerships with local development priorities, noting that the region is undergoing a critical phase of transformation and growth.

PASHA Holding, founded in 2006, is one of Azerbaijan’s largest investment groups with operations across banking, insurance, fintech, real estate, and other sectors, employing more than 25,000 people and managing assets exceeding $18 billion. SOCAR, the state-owned energy company, is an integrated global energy producer with operations in multiple international markets.

By Sabina Mammadli