Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır emphasized Turkey’s strategies on artificial intelligence and technology at the Global Leaders Summit 2024. The summit began at Çırağan Palace Kempinski with the theme of “Artificial Intelligence Age and Sustainable Future.” Minister Kacır stated that Turkey is ready to take on a flag-bearing role with its strong human resources and technology development infrastructure, and its understanding of technology for the benefit of humanity at the summit, which he attended via video message. He detailed how artificial intelligence and other technological developments shape Turkey’s place in the international arena.
Effects of Artificial Intelligence and Global Approaches
Minister Kacır emphasized that artificial intelligence has caused paradigm shifts in the digital world and has radically changed business processes, production models, and consumer behavior. He stated that the combination of artificial intelligence with deep technologies such as quantum computing and biotechnology has increased its current and potential effects. However, he stated that the development of artificial intelligence has been shaped by the profit-oriented approaches of large-scale companies and has turned into a hegemony race between the US and China. He added that no global consensus has been reached in this area.
Digital Türkiye Vision and National Strategies
He stated that Turkey sees artificial intelligence not only as a preference but also as a part of the “Digital Turkey” vision and evaluates these opportunities at the highest level in line with the “National Technology Move” goals. Minister Kacır announced that Turkey aims to create an agile and sustainable artificial intelligence ecosystem for a society with a high level of prosperity within the framework of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. He also stated that the Artificial Intelligence Institute was established under the roof of TÜBİTAK and that they aim to strengthen cooperation among the stakeholders of the ecosystem.
Technological Investments and Future Goals
Minister Kacır stated that Turkey has made great progress in R&D and innovation, the number of technoparks has increased from 2 to 104 and the number of R&D and design centers has exceeded 600. He also emphasized that Turkey, which did not have a unicorn initiative until 2019, currently has 7 unicorns that it supports and is determined to continue this momentum. He added that they aim to have 2030 Turcorns and 100 thousand technology initiatives by 100.
HIT-30 High Technology Investment Program and YTAK
The HIT-30 High Technology Investment Program, which is announced as the largest investment incentive program in the history of the Republic, aims to move Turkey to the next level in high-tech production. In addition, the Investment Committed Advance Credit (YTAK) program offers access to long-term and affordable financing. These support mechanisms cover all stages of high-tech investments from R&D to mass production.
TEKNOFEST and Future Vision
Finally, Minister Kacır extended an invitation to TEKNOFEST, Turkey’s largest aviation, space and technology festival. He stated that TEKNOFEST, which will be held in Adana between October 2-6, aims to increase young people’s interest in technology and play an important role in Turkey’s technological development. Turkey’s vision on technology and artificial intelligence is expected to reinforce the country’s future international role.
