Azerbaijan’s growing “brain drain” is emerging as one of the country’s most serious long-term challenges, according to new data presented this week by the Center for Social Research (CSR).
Speaking at a roundtable titled “Social and Political Sciences Amid Modern Challenges: Think Tanks, Academia and Universities,” CSR Chairman Zahid Oruj said the outflow of talent remains a pressing issue for the nation’s scientific and academic community.
According to a nationwide survey conducted by the CSR in research institutions in 2024, 39.7% of respondents identified brain drain and intellectual migration as a top concern. Issues related to staffing and career development followed closely at 38.9%, while 34.6% pointed to the declining public image of the scientific profession.
Oruj also drew attention to Azerbaijan’s research funding gap, contrasting the country with comparable European economies.
“In Austria-with similar territory and population-scientific spending reached €16 billion in 2024, amounting to 3.5% of GDP,” he noted.
“This is a record level of research intensity. In Azerbaijan, spending on science remains between 0.3% and 0.5% of GDP, although the overall trend shows modest yearly improvements.”
He added that while the government has been gradually expanding financial support for research, the gap between Azerbaijan and advanced research ecosystems remains a strategic challenge.
