Artificial intelligence is moving from experimentation to economic transformation. As countries compete to shape the next generation of digital innovation, the ability to develop AI capabilities, attract investment and build connected technology ecosystems will increasingly define economic competitiveness.
Positioned at the intersection of Europe, Central Asia and Africa, Türkiye is building on its strategic advantages to strengthen its role in the global AI landscape. Through investment in talent, infrastructure, data and innovation, Türkiye is creating an ecosystem designed to support the development, adoption and commercialisation of next-generation technologies.
From AI Adoption to AI Leadership
Türkiye’s AI journey is entering a new phase – one focused not only on adopting existing technologies, but on developing the capabilities required to create and scale AI solutions.
At the centre of this ambition is Türkiye’s recently announced AI Action Plan1, supported by a USD 3 billion investment commitment. The initiative is also expected to mobilise a further USD 10 billion in private sector investment2. The strategy reflects a long-term approach to strengthening the foundations of an AI-driven economy, from skills development and infrastructure to innovation and responsible AI adoption.
AI is increasingly becoming a critical enabler across sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, defence and finance. By supporting the growth of AI capabilities across these industries, Türkiye is working to enhance competitiveness and unlock new opportunities for businesses and investors.
Türkiye’s AI journey is entering a new phase – one focused not only on adopting existing technologies, but on developing the capabilities required to create and scale AI solutions.
Investing in the Talent Behind AI Innovation
The future of AI will depend on the ability to develop skilled people who can create, apply and scale emerging technologies. Türkiye is therefore placing talent development at the centre of its AI strategy.
Over the next two years, AI literacy workshops will be established across all 81 provinces, with the goal of providing AI training to 5 million citizens. In parallel, Türkiye aims to develop 10,000 advanced AI specialists and 100,000 AI application professionals capable of applying AI solutions across a wide range of industries.
By expanding both specialist expertise and broader AI literacy, Türkiye is building a workforce prepared to participate in the global AI economy and support companies seeking to innovate and grow.
Building the Infrastructure for the AI Economy
AI leadership requires robust digital infrastructure, including advanced data centres, cloud capabilities and access to high-quality datasets.
Türkiye’s ambition is reflected in its target to reach at least 1 GW of installed data centre capacity by 2030, creating the computing infrastructure needed to support growing AI demand. The country also plans to allocate at least 2% of its public investment programme to AI projects, reinforcing the importance of artificial intelligence within its broader economic development agenda.
Access to data will also play a critical role in accelerating innovation. Through the National Data Library, at least 2,000 public datasets will be made available to researchers, entrepreneurs and public institutions, particularly in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, defence and e-commerce.
Together, these investments will help create the conditions for companies to develop, test and scale AI applications in Türkiye and across the wider region.
Accelerating High-Technology Investment
Türkiye’s AI ambitions are supported by a broader commitment to high-technology investment. Through the HIT-30 programme — the country’s largest-ever incentive programme — Türkiye is supporting strategic technology areas that will shape future economic growth.
This includes the HIT Data Centre Call provides USD 1.5 billion in support to accelerate investment in high-capacity, secure and energy-efficient data centres. Also the HIT Artificial Intelligence Call, with a USD 1.6 billion budget, aiming to accelerate the deployment of cloud-based infrastructure required to develop, scale and commercialise AI solutions.
The HIT Quantum Call also further strengthens Türkiye’s technology agenda by supporting the development of a quantum ecosystem focused on next-generation capabilities, including high-performance computing, precision measurement and secure communications.
These initiatives reflect Türkiye’s commitment to creating an environment where advanced technologies can move from research and development into commercial applications. This momentum is also evident in Türkiye’s startup ecosystem, where artificial intelligence recorded the highest number of investment rounds of any sector in the first half of 2026, according to Startups.watch, highlighting strong investor confidence in AI-driven innovation3.
Connecting AI Ecosystems Across Europe and Central Asia
Türkiye’s AI vision extends beyond domestic capability building. With its unique geographic position and strong connections across neighbouring markets, Türkiye has the opportunity to serve as a connector between innovation ecosystems in Europe, Central Asia, Africa and beyond.
Terminal Istanbul will serve as Türkiye’s international showcase for AI and a meeting point for entrepreneurs, startups and global investors. The initiative reflects Türkiye’s ambition to contribute actively to the global AI conversation, including the development of human-centred AI standards through platforms such as the OECD, G20 and United Nations.
Türkiye is also working with the Organisation of Turkic States to develop a common large language model covering Oghuz, Kipchak and Karluk language groups, supporting greater linguistic diversity within the future AI ecosystem.
Türkiye’s Next Chapter in AI
Türkiye’s AI strategy is focused on creating a complete ecosystem – one that brings together investment, infrastructure, talent, data and international collaboration.
For global technology companies and investors, Türkiye offers the opportunity to engage with a fast-growing AI market that combines strategic connectivity, a strong innovation agenda and a commitment to developing the technologies that will shape the future.
By connecting innovation ecosystems across Europe and Central Asia and beyond, Türkiye is building a platform where talent, investment and ideas can come together to accelerate the next generation of AI-driven growth.
Sources:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1WpN-iKfFtxXixTHzLwDpqJrHvawlL76k
