THE "SMART VILLAGE" PROJECT AS A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: AZERBAIJAN'S KARABAKH EXPERIENCE

ABSTRACT

According to the author of the article, Azerbaijan's "Smart Village" project is a new development model that combines agriculture and rural life with modern technologies following the liberation of Karabakh. Implemented in the villages of Aghali in Zangilan and Dovletyarli in Fuzuli, this initiative is based on five core pillars: improving the quality of life, strengthening production activities, ensuring the accessibility of social services, implementing digital agricultural practices, and utilizing renewable energy sources. Within the framework of the project, modern housing, schools, and medical centers have been constructed, while a digital infrastructure has been established with high-speed internet and e-government services. Energy independence is ensured through solar panels and wind turbines. Aghali village was selected as the pilot model for this initiative, being reconstructed both physically and digitally. The philosophy of the project is to preserve traditional village life while utilizing the possibilities of modern technology to transform the countryside into an attractive and sustainable living space.

АННОТАЦИЯ

По мнению автора статьи, проект «Умное село» Азербайджана — это новая модель развития, объединяющая сельское хозяйство и сельскую жизнь с современными технологиями после освобождения Карабаха. Данная инициатива, реализованная в селах Агалы Зангиланского района и Довлетярлы Физулинского района, опирается на пять основных направлений: повышение качества жизни, усиление производственной деятельности, доступность социальных услуг, применение цифрового сельского хозяйства и использование возобновляемых источников энергии. В рамках проекта построены современные дома, школы и медицинские центры, создана цифровая инфраструктура с высокоскоростным интернетом и услугами электронного правительства. Энергетическая независимость обеспечивается за счет солнечных панелей и ветряных турбин. Село Агалы было выбрано в качестве пилотного образца этой модели, будучи реконструированным как физически, так и в цифровом формате. Философия проекта заключается в сохранении традиционного сельского уклада при использовании возможностей современных технологий для превращения села в привлекательное и устойчивое место для жизни.

Keywords: Smart Village, Sustainable Rural Development, Digital Transformation, Renewable Energy, Smart Agriculture, Regional Reconstruction.

Ключевые слова: Умное село, Устойчивое развитие сельских территорий, Цифровая трансформация, Возобновляемая энергия, Умное сельское хозяйство, Региональная реконструкция.

Introduction

In the last decade, researchers have intensified efforts to create a "smart world" equipped with intelligent technologies to improve the quality of life and ensure sustainable resource utilization. Enhancing productivity and living conditions in rural areas has become a key strategy for reducing migration to cities. The growing trend of urbanization necessitates solutions aimed at raising living standards in rural regions. In this context, the "smart village" concept emerges as an approach that leverages IoT and digital solutions to facilitate life in rural communities and make economic activities more efficient. Similar to smart cities, the integration of infrastructure and services in villages can ensure the smart management of resources. The adoption of technological innovations in sectors such as agriculture and animal husbandry is a vital step toward supporting rural development. Furthermore, "smart development" strategies aligned with sustainable development goals can be effective in reducing regional inequalities. Challenges brought by population growth, migration, climate change, and digital transformation require innovative approaches in rural areas. The smart village model can be considered an advanced social vision that connects fundamental human rights with technology and offers off-grid solutions [2, p. 1387].

Materials and Methods

A qualitative methodology was employed in this study. Conceptual integrity was established by reinterpreting primary and secondary sources related to the subject.

Smart Village Project in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, following the liberation of Karabakh, it was decided to establish residential areas in accordance with the smart village model in the Zangilan and Fuzuli districts. Within the scope of the steps taken in this direction, infrastructure works have commenced as part of the Smart Village project in the villages of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Aghali in Zangilan, as well as the Dovletyarli village in Fuzuli. This project is built upon five main components, with priority focal areas identified as the quality of life, production activities, delivery of social services, digital agricultural applications, and the use of renewable energy sources.

The "Smart Village" initiative pioneered by Azerbaijan is a comprehensive development model centered on technology and sustainability, aiming to fundamentally transform the quality of life in rural regions. This model is based on the integrated reconstruction of physical and digital infrastructure; while energy independence and sustainability are ensured through renewable energy sources (solar panels and wind turbines), high-speed fiber-optic internet access forms the backbone of the digital transformation. E-government applications facilitate citizen interaction with local authorities, thereby increasing transparency and participation. The village of Aghali in the Zangilan region stands out as a successful pilot implementation of this integrated approach, having been physically reconstructed (200 residences, a school, and a medical center) and equipped with digital technologies. The core philosophy of the project is to transform the countryside into an attractive and sustainable living space by utilizing all the possibilities of modern technology without eliminating traditional village life [3].

The first "Smart Village" pilot project focuses primarily on five key components: housing, industry, social services, "smart agriculture," and green energy. The core objective is to construct 200 individual houses in the region using modern, fully insulated materials. Furthermore, indoor engineering communications and central heating systems will be based on smart technology. In addition to residential units, these settlements will feature modern schools, kindergartens, health centers, and electronic management facilities, alongside the development of tourism infrastructure. Alternative energy sources will be installed in all residential buildings, social institutions, administrative and public catering buildings, as well as agricultural processing and production facilities. Moreover, technicians from Turkish, Chinese, Italian, and Israeli companies are participating in the execution of the project [4].

In the village of Aghali, which covers a total area of 119 hectares, 200 residences, 4 administrative buildings, a school with a capacity for 360 students, and a kindergarten for 60 children have been constructed. The necessary infrastructure for smart agricultural practices, online education (e-education), and remote healthcare services (tele-medicine) has been established; furthermore, the entire village is equipped with a fiber-optic internet network [1].

In Aghali village, branches of Azerpoçt, an ASAN service center, a DOST (Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision) center, and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) are currently operational. Through the "Smart DOST" system, villagers can access more than 100 online public services without needing to visit a central office. Via the "Salam Doctor" platform, tele-medicine services allow for the monitoring of patients' blood pressure, glucose levels, and heart rhythms; additionally, skin and eye images can be collected for expert diagnosis. A hydroelectric power plant is planned for the village; furthermore, a bank card payment ecosystem has been established under the leadership of the Central Bank, and "Smart Education Cards" have been distributed to students. In Dovletyarli village, energy needs will be met by solar panels installed across a 50-hectare area. These projects are carried out through the cooperation of agencies under the Ministries of Economy, Agriculture, and Labor and Social Protection, along with local authorities and the participation of Turkish, Chinese, Italian, and Israeli companies. The State Employment Agency also provides equipment support to individuals trained in fields such as auto-service, construction, and tailoring. In 2021, 62.8 million manats (~37 million dollars) were allocated from the state budget for smart village projects [1].

The establishment of smart cities in contemporary society can address numerous challenges posed by globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Enhancing the sustainability, inclusivity, and safety of cities has been recognized as one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The "smart village" proposed in Azerbaijan is unique. The Smart Village project in Azerbaijan distinguishes itself from similar initiatives in other countries by incorporating the majority of existing smart solutions. A significant difference lies in the intentions within the European Union to transform historically established and traditionally built communities into "smart villages" through the implementation of smart solutions. In contrast, in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, a new "smart village" initiative is being carried out through the complete reconstruction of all infrastructure. Adhering to international standards and including all elements particularly suitable for students in the development of "smart villages" can enhance efficiency and increase the likelihood of successful project outcomes. To improve the effectiveness of implementing similar initiatives elsewhere, it is essential to determine the ideal dimensions of a "smart village" within the country. The application of this concept in relatively small settlements may lack economic feasibility [4].

Conclusion

It is imperative to accelerate activities toward the preparation of new projects and proposals in collaboration with relevant government agencies and private partners involved in the various stages of implementing advanced technologies in Azerbaijan's agricultural sector. Globally, the primary objective of implementing "Smart Village" projects is to prevent rural-to-urban migration. In other words, conditions must be established for individuals in rural areas so that they can easily access all services available to urban residents. Simultaneously, enhanced income and employment opportunities must be created for rural populations. A third critical point is the provision of comprehensive conditions for rural residents to access public services. Consequently, within the "Smart Village" concept, the disparity between rural and urban areas in terms of service quality, profitability, and utilization of government services has been virtually eliminated.

References:

1. Abilzade, R., & Batmaz, N. Y. (2024). Azerbaijan in the perspective of rural development/smart village concepts. Ekonomi İşletme Siyaset ve Uluslararası İlişkiler Dergisi (JEBPIR), 10(2), 249–274. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14554639
2. Renukappa, S., Suresh, S., Abdalla, W., Shetty, N., Yabbati, N., & Hiremath, R. (2024). Evaluation of smart village strategies and challenges. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(6), 1386–1407. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-03-2022-0060
3. Xalq Qazeti. (2022). Ağıllı kənd yeni həyat tərzidir [Akıllı köy yeni yaşam tarzıdır]. https://www.xalqqazeti.az/az/musahibe/139991-agilli-kend-yeni-heyat-terzidir
4. Ahmadli, M., & Shi, L. (2025, Ocak). Smart village concept in Azerbaijan — first smart village Aghali. Научный лидер (Scientific Leader), (203). https://scilead.ru/article/7755-smart-village-concept-in-azerbaijan-first-sma