2030 Industry and Technology Strategy Published

General Circular No. 2025/6, published in the Official Gazette dated May 10, 2025, announced the upcoming publication of the 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy (“2030 Strategy”), which aims for independence in industrial production and technology and seeks to position Turkey as a leading country in high-tech production and exports. The 2030 Strategy was subsequently published.

The 2030 Strategy includes strategies for high technology, digital economy, green transformation, global integration and structural transformation, as well as priority programs and projects.

The eagerly awaited strategy following the changes in Turkey’s European Union processes is in line with previous ones and demonstrates that the goal of progress will not change.

The key decisions under the 2030 Strategy are as follows:

Artificial Intelligence

The importance of artificial intelligence in various fields is emphasized by referring to different examples. In this context, the report titled “The Economic Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Turkey,” an international study prepared in 2024, is cited to highlight the contribution of artificial intelligence to economic growth. The actions in the field of artificial intelligence taken in Turkey to this date, are mentioned. For example, the Artificial Intelligence Institute established within TÜBİTAK BİLGEM aims to accelerate the digital transformation of both public and private sectors by integrating artificial intelligence into areas such as finance, agriculture, climate change, education, and e-commerce. The Turkish Large Language Model developed by the Institute reduces Turkey’s foreign dependency in this field and paves the way for Turkish-specific generative artificial intelligence systems. In addition, high-performance computing infrastructures such as TRUBA and ARF, together with supercomputers, increase the depth of scientific research and expand data processing capacity, providing a strong foundation for artificial intelligence applications.

It is also noted that artificial intelligence’s ability to generate fake content (deepfake) technology would accelerate the spread of political disinformation and that ethical and safe use must be ensured.

Digital Transformation

It is stated that a strong and determined vision will be pursued to succeed in digital transformation, and as a result, Turkey’s global competitiveness will increase, and economic independence and social welfare will augment.

In addition, some strategies have been determined regarding the digital transformation of the workforce. For example, it is stated that it would be beneficial to accelerate the Active Labor Force Program activities for the 100 professions determined by İŞKUR as the professions of the future and other prominent occupational groups within the scope of digital transformation, and to expand vocational training courses and on-the-job training programs through these programs. Projects implemented in the field of digital transformation are listed. With the SME Digital Transformation Support Program launched in May 2024 in cooperation with KOSGEB, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), TÜBİTAK Turkey Industry Management Institute (TÜSSİDE), and contracted banks, together with the Digital Transformation Support Program launched in July 2024, financial support is provided for investments aimed at accelerating the digitalization processes of businesses. On the other hand, a comprehensive legislative framework has been established to address the legal and regulatory challenges that businesses face in their digital transformation journeys, and guidance support is also provided in this area. In the field of digital transformation, two examples are emphasized: Digital Turkish Lira and KOSGEB Digital Payment System.

KOSGEB

KOSGEB is transferring all stages of the support processes, from application to payment, to the electronic environment. It is envisaged that the KOSGEB Digital Application will be implemented in order to strengthen the support payment processes in line with the requirements of the digital economy and to ensure the traceability of KOSGEB supports in the electronic environment.

Digital Turkish Lira

The Digital Turkish Lira project is being carried out by the Cooperation Platform created by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey to strengthen Turkey’s position in the regional and global digital economy. Within the scope of the first phase of the project, a blockchain-based retail digital currency system, server software to be located in the Central Bank and other Banks, and a digital identity-supported Mobile Wallet application, have been developed. In the next phases of the project, offline payment, programmable payment and hardware wallet capabilities are planned to be developed. The integration of the Digital Turkish Lira system with existing infrastructures such as FAST and e-Turkey will also be ensured.