TürkiyeThe impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the economy is not only technological infrastructure but also corporate culture, digital maturityAnd financial inclusiondetermined by their dimensions. Recent research shows that while there is a high awareness and usage trend among individuals, the same intensity cannot be sustained in the business world. This situation Digital survival of SMEsIt should be read as a breaking point that accelerates the struggle. Türkiye remains below the European average and export-oriented competitivenesswith employment dynamicsThe imbalance between the two is a warning for the state and the private sector.
In the first part, public dataAnd private sector reportsWe examine the difference between AI awareness and use in Türkiye. Behind, Digitalization level of businesses, cluster effectsAnd technological investment decisionsWe cover topics such as. Finally, policies, technology incentivesAnd long term competitive advantageWe suggest steps for.
AI Awareness and Interaction at the Individual Level
Artificial intelligence awareness remains high throughout Türkiye. Internet and digitalization speed, between individuals usage behaviorsdirecting. Platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok are used in daily life adopting artificial intelligencespeeds up the process. However, this awareness applicability in the business worldUnless it transforms, it poses a potentially shiftable risk. Increasing interactions at the individual level, e-commerce and service sectorWhile creating positive effects on in the field of production and B2BIt becomes difficult to keep the same momentum.
Statements of economist Emrehan Aktuğ, small and medium-sized businessesIt clearly summarizes the challenges they face in their digitalization journey: “Companies with high capital and deep-rooted international connections are ready and able to undertake this transformation. However, SMEs account for more than 50% of GDP and 72% of employment, will struggle with very low digitalization rates, which means unpreparedness for artificial intelligence.”This determination increasing competitive pressureAnd uneven digital transformationit reveals.
Business Size and AI Application Intensity
Digital transformation for Turkish-SMEs, technology investmentAnd corporate structureclosely related to. According to TÜİK data, In SMEs with less than 50 employeesuse of artificial intelligence is extremely low; at approximately 6.6%. On the other hand, Large businesses with 250 or more employeesFor this reason, this rate increases to approximately 24%. This abyss innovation capacitiesIt shows that there is a profound difference between Companies investing in AI, productivity increases, lasting customer experienceAnd sales channels integrationThey obtain concrete benefits in areas such as. However, for small businesses, costs data infrastructure, security requirementsAnd long conversion timesdue to pressure.
Two-Tier Economic Risk and Public Policies
AktuğThe “two-stage economic risk” emphasized by the state incentives for digital transformationAnd technological supportIf it does not provide, Large businesses that make qualified transformationswith SMEs that cannot digitalisesuggests that the gap between them will widen. This situation of the innovative ecosystemnarrowing and employment structureincreases the risk of spoilage. public policies, financial incentives, data security, infrastructure investmentsAnd human resource development programsshould aim to shrink this gap. Moreover, cyber securityAnd data governancecompliance processes of businesses on issues, user-friendly reconciliationsIt should be facilitated by .
Steps for Improved AI Strategies
A concrete, actionable roadmap is needed to accelerate AI adoption by businesses. Below, medium term plansAnd short term actionsIt is presented divided into two main axes:
- Corporate Digital Maturity Assessment: Determine at what stage your internal processes are. Which operations can be closely automated, what steps data collection and cleaningrequires?
- Data Infrastructure and Security: Make the data that forms the basis of AI projects clean, secure and accessible. Data management frameworkAnd secure cloud useIt would be wise to start with.
- SME Support Programs: Government incentives, tax deductions, technical consultancy and user-friendly training programsFacilitate the digitalization steps of SMEs with.
- Employment and Education: Establish programs to increase AI capabilities; Equip employees on data science, ethics and security. Ethical frameworks to avoid suicidal automationsimprove.
- Business Model Transformation: New customer-focused service channels, flexibility at workAnd data driven decision makingestablish the culture. Determine which solutions produce the most value with A/B tests.
- Collaboration and Eco-System: Partnership with local universities, research centers and the private sector R&D projectsexecute. startup ecosystemCreate synergy with.
If AI is directed correctly work efficiency, open source solutions, customer satisfactionAnd increase in innovation ratecan be obtained. However, for this potential to be realized limiting factorsIt is necessary to eliminate it. Entrepreneurship and investment environmentas you get stronger, local productionAnd technological independencewill increase; this is in the long run digital well-beingAnd competitive productionwill increase its capacity.
As the next step, businesses strong leadership, data driven decision makingAnd ethical complianceIt needs to act within its frameworks. Moreover data securityAnd cyber defenseProactive steps should be taken on these issues. AI investments are not just technological investments; at the same time corporate culture transformation, competence buildingAnd innovative business modelsIt should be considered as a tool for
As a result, Türkiye’s AI journey, big businesseswith SMEsIt requires an integrated approach designed to bridge the gap between Fast digitalizationcompanies targeting Policies that expand access to technologyAnd human resources investmentsThey can bring themselves to a sustainable competitive advantage. This process is carried out in cooperation with the public and private sectors, innovative ecosystemsIt gains strength when established and enables Türkiye to rise to a more solid position in the global arena in the AI arena.
