Türkiye’s AI strategy: Roadmap for 2025
Türkiye announced its 2025 strategy in artificial intelligence. (via Techinday)
In line with Türkiye’s 11th Development Plan and the 2021 Presidential Annual Program, the Turkish government’s AI strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap through 2025.
Led by the Presidency of the Digital Transformation Office and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, this document presents an ambitious framework to position Türkiye as a global player in artificial intelligence.
TechVisa Program: Attracting AI talent to Türkiye
A crucial aspect of the strategy is the “TechVisa Program,” designed to attract talented AI professionals to Türkiye. This initiative aims to bring AI experts from around the world, particularly from the Turkish diaspora, to contribute to Türkiye’s growing AI ecosystem. The goal is to create a rich, collaborative environment where local and international experts can work together.
Moreover, Türkiye plans to engage Turkish scholars and professionals who specialize in AI, inviting them to participate in the nation’s AI development projects.
Development of local AI strategy
Türkiye is also set to develop locally-produced AI models, including large language models (LLM) and large AI models (LAM). To ensure ethical and technical standards, a specialized committee will be established. This includes a Turkish large language model community that will gather input from various sectors of the AI ecosystem.
To enhance these models, Türkiye will collaborate with other Turkic republics, sharing data and facilitating the use of these AI models across borders.
Key actions:
- Formation of a Turkish large language model community.
- Data cooperation with Turkic republics for AI model development.
- Establishment of partnerships with nations and global firms that have developed their own AI models.
Establishing ethical standards: Trusted AI Seal
To address concerns about AI governance, Türkiye will introduce the “Trusted AI Seal” – a certification for AI systems that ensures they meet regulatory and ethical standards. This will be accompanied by the creation of legal guides, including a legal assessment guide for AI applications and a framework for AI value and principles impact analysis.
A crucial aspect of this strategy will be safeguarding Türkiye’s digital assets from new-generation cyber threats, particularly those enhanced by AI. Legal frameworks and security policies will be developed to address these risks comprehensively.
Enhancing AI workforce and research support
To ensure a skilled workforce, the Turkish government will increase its support for academic and industry research programs. International Leader Researchers Program and Industry PhD Programs will see expanded funding and participation. Additionally, scholarships for studying AI abroad will be increased to cultivate talent.
The following support measures are key to this effort:
- Expanded postdoctoral research grants for AI researchers.
- Support for higher education and personnel exchange programs in AI.
AI risk management and legal frameworks
AI products and services in Türkiye will be subject to a Risk Management System Certification Program to assess potential risks. This risk-focused evaluation will provide companies with the guidance needed to develop safer AI solutions.
Furthermore, the government will ensure that AI-created content adheres to intellectual property laws. Guidelines on AI-generated content and patent regulations will clarify legal boundaries and standardize AI-related intellectual property.
Key actions:
- Launch of an AI Risk Management Certification Program.
- Standardization of AI-related patenting and intellectual property rights.
AI in education and workforce transition
Recognizing AI’s potential to disrupt labor markets, Türkiye plans to establish educational programs that align with AI developments. These programs will include:
- AI-focused curricula in vocational schools.
- In-service training programs to boost the skills of current workers and unemployed individuals whose jobs may be impacted by AI.
Additionally, an AI education model will be developed to support the workforce’s transition into the AI-driven economy.
Key Actions:
- Introduction of AI curricula in vocational and technical schools.
- In-service teacher training programs to improve AI literacy.
AI ecosystem and public awareness
To further develop the AI ecosystem, the AI literacy campaign will be launched, targeting the younger generation to raise awareness about AI’s importance and potential.
National AI competitions will also be organized to promote innovation and encourage the development of locally-produced AI applications.
Key Actions:
- National AI competitions to drive innovation.
- AI literacy campaign to engage youth and build awareness.
AI in public sector and SMEs
Türkiye will establish a Central Public Data Space to catalog government-held data, allowing AI researchers and developers to access valuable datasets. This initiative will empower public institutions to develop AI-driven solutions that address national challenges.
Moreover, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be encouraged to integrate AI solutions developed through local R&D. Financial support will be provided to ensure AI adoption in small businesses, accelerating their transformation.
Key actions:
- Establishment of a Central Public Data Space for government-held data.
- Financial support to encourage AI adoption by SMEs.
Türkiye’s AI ambitions on global stage
Türkiye’s AI strategy is both comprehensive and ambitious, aiming to elevate the country into a significant AI hub by 2025. From workforce development to international partnerships, this roadmap sets the stage for Türkiye’s involvement in the global AI arena. The planned initiatives underscore the importance of ethical AI, cross-border cooperation, and innovation, all while preparing Türkiye’s workforce and institutions for the AI-driven future.
