Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Speaking at the event, TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu noted in the Turkish Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem report that domestic startups account for only a small share of AI adoption in the country.

Pointing out that a common trait of rapidly growing major companies is their focus on AI-based, personalized consumer experiences, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated, “According to the United Nations Technology and Innovation Report, the AI market value is expected to reach $4.8 trillion within five years. Once the market value reaches this level, AI is projected to surpass the Internet of Things, blockchain, and electric vehicles to become the technology sector with the largest market value,” he said.

Hisarcıklıoğlu said that companies must migrate all their products and business processes to AI-powered digital environments in order to remain competitive. Noting that businesses that successfully implement digital transformation increase their revenue and their ability to enter global markets, Hisarcıklıoğlu explained that the savings generated by AI both reduce costs and minimize environmental impacts.

- “Artificial intelligence is a complementary tool”

Citing a study conducted at Harvard University and offering caution regarding artificial intelligence, Hisarcıklıoğlu continued: “Companies should view artificial intelligence not merely as a tool for reducing costs, but as a complementary tool that enhances human capacity. They must take steps to support workforce training programs, job transformations, and evolving skill requirements, and adapt accordingly. Only in this way can the maximum benefit be derived from artificial intelligence. So, what are we doing at TOBB? Through TOBB and TEPAV, we are developing tools to measure the digital maturity levels of SMEs. Together with our international partners, particularly the European Chambers of Commerce, we are conducting training and mentoring programs on the use of AI tools."

- “We will increase our productivity and competitiveness” 

Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that they stand behind any project focused on artificial intelligence, aimed at digital transformation, and that will provide added value to Türkiye, saying, “We will guide our SMEs in integrating artificial intelligence tools into their operations. We will continue to support training and development programs to cultivate our skilled workforce.”

Referring to the concrete applications of artificial intelligence discussed during the summit, Hisarcıklıoğlu made the following remarks: “We’re bringing together an SME from the remotest corner of Anatolia with a technology provider in İstanbul. In these B2B meetings organized under this model, we bring together companies offering AI solutions with those that will use AI tools. We are facilitating the establishment of new collaborations. Our goal is to expand these meetings to cities where industry is strong. We will bring the business community of Anatolia together with artificial intelligence. By ensuring more effective use of this technology in production and sales at our companies, we will increase our productivity and competitiveness."

- Minister of Industry and Technology Kacır 

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır also noted that the fact that global investments in artificial intelligence reached $1.5 trillion last year offers a glimpse into the role AI will play in the global economy in the coming period.

Noting that companies around the world are integrating AI technologies into every link of their value chains, Kacır reported that leading countries in the field of AI are pursuing more protectionist, selective, and self-interested policies aimed at preserving their technological superiority.

Kacır stated that countries unable to manage their own data, develop AI models, or build critical digital infrastructure will be doomed to become digital outcasts in the world of the future, adding that they are striving to make AI the driving force behind Türkiye’s development journey, based on the principles of reliability, transparency, accountability, human-centeredness, and ethical responsibility.

Kacır noted that transforming the potential offered by artificial intelligence into economic and social value is only possible with a high-performance computing infrastructure capable of processing high-quality data using advanced algorithms.

Minister Kacır stated that they will allocate $150 million in public funds to AI-focused venture capital funds to increase AI startups’ access to capital.

- “We want to lead the transformation through the software sector”

Ertan Barut, Chairman of the TOBB Türkiye Software Council, also said that within the TOBB ecosystem, they are working to support Türkiye’s transformation through software.

Noting that 36,000 companies are active in the software sector in Türkiye, Barut emphasized their desire to contribute to the country’s efforts to increase exports.

Noting that the software sector is one of the most cost-effective and highest value-added sectors in Türkiye, Barut said, “We want to talk less and produce more. We want to lead the transformation of our country’s industry, SMEs, and businesses through the domestic software sector.”

(A.A.)