In the context of the recent revolutionary technological changes observed in the world economy, international competition has increased even more. To be ready for the increasing competition in the world in the coming years, the priority task of each country is to form the intellectual potential of the population, which is an integral part of its human capital. To this end, education in accordance with the requirements of the 21st century, a creative and innovative society that promotes innovations, and a healthy lifestyle of citizens are the main conditions. This article focuses on the role of intellectual potential for the sustainable development of society and the national economy and highlights the issues of its formation. Cross-country comparisons are fulfilled according to the education level index of the population, the number of students in higher education institutions per 10,000 people, the number of educational institutions and those studying in them, the weight of the older generation of the population with higher education and who are involved in continuing education. The article collects and systematizes statistical data that play a source role in the subsequent analysis and assessment of the processes of formation of the country’s intellectual potential. It also examines the state of education and scientific potential characterizing the intellectual potential of society, provided important results of fundamental and applied research conducted in scientific organizations and institutions of Azerbaijan, and some indicators used in assessing the activities of scientific organizations. It mentions the necessity of improving the most important components of the intellectual potential of society, such as education and scientific potential (pp.70-85).