THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN GLOBAL RACE

Türkiye can enhance its competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence through increased investment, collaboration, and the development of AI capabilities for technological literacy

Artificial intelligence technologies are increasingly weaving into the fabric of our lives, akin to the roots of a tree… As this metaphorical tree branches out, we find shelter under its expansive canopy, allowing us to proceed on our path refreshed… We reap the benefits of these technological advancements, experiencing their “blessings” both in the realm of business and in our personal lives. In our daily lives, we discuss the pros and cons of this phenomenon and aim to keep up with trends. This fosters a globally competitive environment, driving positive outcomes from these trends. To such an extent that countries cannot remain indifferent to the growing significance of artificial intelligence technologies. They opt to analyze and prioritize these trends accordingly.

The international intrigue surrounding artificial intelligence undoubtedly stems from this factor… Many countries recognize its immense potential and are strategically positioning themselves to leverage it. From transitioning into a digital economy to aspiring to become technology hubs, various sectors grapple with the ethical implications of a digitalized world, striving to gain influence across different domains. Indeed, these are among the pivotal issues shaping the development of the technology ecosystem as a whole. Given the pervasive impact of artificial intelligence on our lives, many administrations and governments are deeply concerned, spanning from political realms to societal implications. Governments are recognizing the necessity to address cybersecurity issues resulting from the prevalence of artificial intelligence technologies. Consequently, they are actively producing policies aimed at safeguarding citizens in these domains. As such, various strategic steps are being taken on numerous fronts… These distinct strategic moves engender a new competitive environment for countries involved in the development and marketing of artificial intelligence technologies. In the current landscape of heightened global competition, enhancing technological capabilities becomes paramount.

This has led to the recent emergence of a new “cold war” among countries, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence development. Investments in research and development are substantial, with a primary emphasis on enhancing artificial intelligence capabilities. International collaborations prioritize boosting AI capabilities as a top priority. Besides technical advancements, there is a concerted effort to redefine international standards, focusing on socio-economic aspects like ethics and security. For instance, amidst rapid digitalization, a crisis concerning “chips” emerged, leading states to trigger a new polarization by considering international economic, legal, and trade matters. The USA and Europe aligned on one side, while the Far East and Southeast Asian countries formed the other, engaging in this race. The chip crisis significantly impacted over 160 sectors worldwide. In response to this impact, many automobile brands started designing vehicles devoid of electronic devices. Additionally, leading technology companies expedited the launch of their new products. The solution to overcome this problem was to incentivize and ensure increased production. Developed countries accelerated their chip investments significantly, initiating the construction of over 80 chip facilities between 2021 and 2023. It was projected that these investments would surpass USD 500 billion. (NTV, 2023).

EU countries, China, and the USA stand out as key players in the global race. The US is rolling out a program to bolster the chip industry with over USD 50 billion, while the EU is allocating over USD 40 billion. They aim to transform the challenges posed by the chip crisis into opportunities through substantial investments.

Chips, crucial components in various digitalization sectors, are positioned as valuable assets in digitalization strategies. (NTV, 2023). When assessing artificial intelligence technologies, countries are investing significantly in cloud technology, recognizing its importance on par with chips…

As virtualization grows, there is a heightened need to collect, process, and effectively manage virtual data. Software development is advancing to enhance cloud technology, streamlining the process of capturing device information with a single click. For instance, where accessing data in a file once took seconds or even minutes, there’s now a crucial emphasis on reducing this time to fractions of a second, reflecting the rapid pace of global developments. Currently, there is a race among countries to develop faster software solutions. Various competitions lead to cumulative technological progress. Different investments and strategies bolster countries where they are implemented, leading to observable shifts in the global landscape. Evaluating Türkiye’s position, considering both its strengths and weaknesses, is crucial.

By leveraging strengths and transforming weaknesses into strengths, Türkiye has the potential to emerge as a key player in this field. As Türkiye, we have an incredible youth potential. By continuing to take strategic steps and building upon our strengths, Türkiye is poised to become an integral part of artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and the digital ecosystem. We must take responsibility in these domains, fostering support for small entrepreneurs and fostering collaborations among the public, private, and academic sectors. We need to strategize to cultivate an ecosystem characterized by robust collaborations and investments. For instance, in Türkiye, USD 154 million was invested in 219 seed-related deals during the first nine months of 2023. Türkiye ranked 4th among the countries with the highest seed-stage investments in Europe and the MENA region in Q3 2023, following the UK, Germany, and France (StartupWatch Türkiye Startup Ecosystem, 2023 Q3).

Türkiye can enhance its competitiveness in the field of artificial intelligence through increased investment, collaboration, and the development of AI capabilities for technological literacy… Our national strategic document on artificial intelligence technologies underscores our ambition to elevate Türkiye to a global player in the digital technologies ecosystem. Our sole objective is to fortify the artificial intelligence ecosystem. This way, we can be pioneers in this game and seize the opportunity without being left behind.