RISING VALUE IN THE AGE OF CREATIVITY: TÜRKİYE

Creative industries will play a pivotal role in Türkiye’s future economic growth and its positioning in the international arena

Today’s rapidly changing world of technology is causing radical transformations in many sectors, bringing art and creativity to the forefront as an essential new line of business. This transformation has enabled the creative industries sector – which includes advertising, architecture, art, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, publishing, research and development, software, gaming, and media – to make significant contributions to economic growth, employment, and innovation. Creative industries encompass economic activities where products and services resulting from creative processes are produced and marketed. This sector has become a rapidly growing area in the global economy, driven by digitalization. From arts and culture to technology, the creative industries have a significant economic and social impact.

Türkiye has taken important steps toward realizing its potential in the creative industries and becoming a significant emerging economy in this field. Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its young and dynamic population, creates fertile ground for the development of creative industries. In recent years, Türkiye has achieved significant success in areas such as digital art, design, music, advertising, fashion, and film and TV series, becoming a competitive force in these fields globally. However, strategic steps need to be taken to fully utilize this potential and ensure sustainable growth.

ADVERTISING, ARCHITECTURE AND MEDIA

The advertising sector is a fast-growing area in Türkiye that has greatly benefited from digital transformation. In 2023, total advertising spending in Türkiye exceeded TRY 10 billion, with 60 per cent of this spending dedicated to digital advertising. The rise of digital platforms and social media has increased the impact and reach of advertising. Architecture is another important sector that draws attention to Türkiye’s historical heritage and modern projects. Turkish architects are carrying out successful projects both at home and abroad.

FILM AND TV SERIES INDUSTRY

Türkiye has been particularly successful in exporting TV series. Turkish TV series attract great interest in many regions, especially in the Middle East, the Balkans, and Latin America, and are exported to these countries. The film industry is also growing and making a name for itself by winning awards at international festivals. Turkish TV series are exported to more than 100 countries, with annual export revenues exceeding USD 2 billion. This constitutes an important item in Türkiye’s cultural exports and increases the country’s soft power.

FASHION, DESIGN AND DIGITAL ART

Türkiye is a leading player in the digital art industry on a global scale. We can attribute this success to the high interest of the young population in technology and Türkiye’s pioneering efforts in promoting digital art on a global scale. The fashion and design sector is developing rapidly, fueled by Türkiye’s robust textile and apparel infrastructure. Local designers are finding their place in the international arena, showcasing Turkish fashion on the world stage.

SOFTWARE AND GAMING

The software and gaming sector represent one of the fastest- growing segments within Türkiye’s creative industries. Especially in mobile games, Turkish companies have secured an important position in the international market. Growth in this sector is supported by the young population’s keen interest in technology, coupled with government incentives.

ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND EMPLOYMENT

Creative industries also attract attention with their significant contribution to the Turkish economy. In 2023, the number of people working in creative industries exceeded 1 million, with the sector’s share in total employment reaching 3 percent. These sectors provide significant added value to the economy by directly creating employment and indirectly contributing to the development of various subsectors.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Türkiye needs to overcome several challenges to fully realize its potential in the creative industries. These challenges include training and skills development, protection of intellectual property rights, and access to finance. However, Türkiye’s young and innovative population is an important advantage in overcoming these challenges.

EDUCATION AND TALENT DEVELOPMENT

For creative industries to grow, a skilled workforce is essential. Therefore, it is crucial to develop creative talent and expand training programs for the sector. Türkiye should reform its education system and support educational institutions specialized in creative fields to nurture talented individuals in this field.

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Protecting creative works is critical for ensuring the continuity of innovation in the sector. Türkiye should adopt regulations on the protection of intellectual property rights in line with international standards and ensure effective enforcement of these rights.

ACCESS TO FINANCING

Financial resources are essential for realizing creative projects. Türkyie should establish mechanisms to streamline access to finance for enterprises within the creative industries and actively promote investments in this sector. In 2023, the total investment in creative industries surpassed USD 11 billion.

TÜRKİYE’S GLOBAL POSITION AND STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

Türkiye’s success in the creative industries enhances the country’s global standing and significantly contributes to economic growth. Due to its cultural and geographical position, Türkiye holds the potential to serve as a bridge between different cultures, fostering connections between East and West. This strategic positioning places Türkiye in a pivotal role in the trade of creative goods and services.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AND TRENDS

To enhance its international competitiveness in the creative industries, Türkiye must transition from following global trends to setting them, and it is well on its way to achieving this goal. The strategies developed in this direction must be embraced and supported with determination and strong commitment.

CONCLUSION

By fully realizing its potential in the creative industries, Türkiye can secure a prominent position among emerging economies. The contribution of these sectors to economic growth, employment, and innovation enhances Türkiye’s global competitiveness and presents appealing opportunities for investors. However, improvements in education, intellectual property rights, and financing are crucial for fully realizing this potential.

For this reason, I am pleased to announce that the TOBB Türkiye Creative Industries Council, dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for achieving these attainable goals, will host the “World Creative Economy Summit” in Istanbul in 2025. Creative industries will play a pivotal role in Türkiye’s future economic growth and its positioning in the international arena. Supporting the sector by taking more strategic steps brings Türkiye closer to becoming a leading country in the trade of creative goods and services.