SUSTAINABILITY OF SERVICE EXPORTS

Every qualified workforce we develop in the IT sector will drive sustainable digital growth

The developments in the IT world will be further shaping the service exports and technology-oriented economy model in the upcoming period since IT systems and artificial intelligence technologies are an inseparable part of our lives now… We must be capable of inducing development for our country in the field of digital technologies in order to earn significant roles in this race. In 2023, our exports amounted to USD 3.44 billion as a result of an increase of 16.5 percent compared to 2022 (Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye).

Considering such an increase in exports, as we make use of our potential in the field of IT and digital technologies, we will be solidifying the place Türkiye has in terms of the digital economy. This will eventually result in the sustainability of the service exports as well. As DEİK Digital Technologies Business Council, we constantly keep working to ensure that this potential is permanent sustainable, acting on certain strategies and defining our plans and meetings in consideration of such strategies. Acting on strategies requires us to attach importance to the innovation in the field of IT and encouraging such an innovation.

R&D investments and technological advances are undoubtedly the backbone of digital trade and the digital economy. Our advancements in the IT sector, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity, will set us apart from other countries and propel us forward. On the other hand, we should care about global markets and encourage the participation of Turkish IT companies, which are part of this global competition, in international fairs and in the global collaborations and partnerships they will form.

In fact, as DEİK, our goal is always to ensure that this social and business network remains current by bringing together all kinds of initiatives, both small and large. By doing so, we aim to make Türkiye a centre of attraction in the field of technology and increase our national brand awareness. For all these strategies and forward-looking moves, it is also very important that we focus on talent management and technology literacy in our training programs. Every qualified workforce we develop in the IT sector will drive sustainable digital growth. For this reason, staying updated on current information and trends in innovation and digitalization, identifying the enduring ones, and making strategic business moves accordingly are invaluable to us.

At this point, I believe that when young people and industry veterans join forces, we will sustain and enhance many talents. In summary, to sustain the 16.5 percent increase in IT exports we achieved in 2023, we need to emphasize and encourage innovation. We must acknowledge the significance of global markets and transform our potential into competitiveness. Additionally, staying updated on issues such as talent management and technology literacy is crucial. In a Türkiye where digital transformation is consistently supported and innovation-driven investments are made, numerous institutions and organizations – from the public sector to the private sector, from universities to non-governmental organizations – will contribute to these advancements through various collaborations.

Holistic and sustainable approaches will significantly boost the success of IT exports. Emphasizing these key points and strategies will position Türkiye as a regional and international leader in the IT sector, IT exports, and services exports. This approach makes it inevitable for our country to achieve greater success in the future.