HE DRIVING FORCE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: CORPORATE COLLABORATION WITH START-UPS

Türkiye’s entrepreneurship ecosystem increases global competitiveness through investments in digital transformation and innovative technologies, enabling start-ups to expand into international markets

The entrepreneurship ecosystem is transforming and evolving with technological innovations. Developments in areas such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things (IoT), and big data analytics are shaping the business processes of start-ups and becoming the main dynamics shaping the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The opportunities offered by digital transformation are not only reshaping business models. They also attract the attention of international investors, paving the way for Turkish start-ups to compete on a global scale and reinforcing the country’s strength in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Türkiye’s strategic location, young and dynamic population, entrepreneurial spirit, rapidly developing digital infrastructure, and increasing R&D investments offer significant opportunities for entrepreneurship. According to the “Türkiye Start-up Investments” report, startup investments in Türkiye increased significantly in 2024, both in terms of number of transactions and investment volume. While the number of transactions increased from 355 in 2023 to 577 in 2024, the investment volume reached 1.41 billion dollars from 391.66 million dollars.

This data shows that Türkiye’s entrepreneurship ecosystem is growing stronger and investor interest is increasing. Developments in digital transformation and technological innovation in Türkiye are boosting the country’s competitiveness in the entrepreneurship space, while also supporting sustainable economic growth. All of this is an indication that Türkiye can have a say in this field in the future.

TÜRKİYE HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR TECHNOLOGY-BASED ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Innovation plays a critical role not only in the development of new products and services, but also in the optimization of existing business processes. In 2024, investments in the startup ecosystem in Türkiye reached 1.41 billion dollars, with R&D activities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, health & biotechnology, and production & materials attracting attention. This data shows that Turkish entrepreneurs’ and businesses’ investments in technological infrastructures continue to increase and provide a competitive advantage.

R&D investments not only develop innovative solutions, but also enable entrepreneurs to create a sustainable difference in the global market. Developments in digital transformation and technological innovation in Türkiye are boosting the country’s competitiveness in the entrepreneurship space, while also supporting sustainable economic growth. All of this is an indication that Türkiye can have a say in this field in the future.

START-UPS ARE ONE OF THE DRIVING FORCES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Companies that form the cornerstones of economies guarantee a strong economy. However, as companies develop and grow, they can involuntarily lose their former agility and become unwieldy. In this case, companies may face the risk of missing both that period and the future. This leads to a loss of the opportunity to contribute to the national economy. Companies can lose momentum or even close down because they miss the era, fail to act nimbly and fail to incorporate new technologies.

At this point, companies collaborating with start-ups to be agile and technologically savvy can help them overcome bureaucratic obstacles and deficiencies in customer service. Many organizations in Türkiye and around the world have started to seek services from start-ups to improve their operations and reach innovative solutions. Big companies are now working with more agile and innovative small companies. Recognizing this change, companies are both finding solutions to problems through in-house innovation programs and enabling new start-ups to emerge from within their organizations. In conclusion, companies are the driving force of sustainable development, and their innovation and growth potential are based on strong collaborations with start-ups.

DEİK HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP ECOSYSTEM IN TÜRKİYE

Finally, I can say that the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEİK), which plays a strategic role in developing Türkiye’s foreign trade, increasing international investments, and facilitating Turkish companies’ access to global markets, has the potential to make a great contribution to the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Türkiye. Therefore, it is possible to create a great synergy by combining DEİK’s foreign trade vision and global perspective with the enthusiasm of young Turkish entrepreneurs. This synergy will increase the number of Turkish entrepreneurs scaling up and offer them the opportunity to meet new markets. It will also open up new opportunities for the growth and development of our foreign trade volume. Mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, or service purchases that may take place in this process will create another area that will earn foreign currency for Türkiye. Therefore, I would like to underline that I see this merger and synergy as an important opportunity.