WE MUST PRECISELY UNDERSTAND THE CHANGES IN THE GLOBAL SYSTEM

Today, the world is experiencing one of the fastest periods of transformation in history. The rapid pace of technological progress, shifts in economic balance, and new human- centered approaches are fundamentally altering the way we do business. With less than a decade until 2030, it is more important than ever to accurately understand this global transformation and prepare for the future. Ideas like digitalization, artificial intelligence, the data economy, and sustainability have become key factors, not only in technology but also in trade, manufacturing, and international competition. Today, a company’s competitiveness depends not just on its size but also on how quickly it adopts new technology, invests in human talent, and positions itself within global value chains. In this age of rapid change, while there are major opportunities for those who can adapt, there are serious risks for those who are unprepared. In this new era, the economy revolves not only around technology but also around people. After all, it is people who develop, utilize, and give meaning to technology. Skilled human resources, a culture of innovation, and knowledge creation are becoming the most critical factors for the future competitiveness of nations and organizations. Therefore, societies and institutions that find the right balance between technology, people, and the economy will be among the winners in this new world. This global transformation is also changing the nature of international economic relations. As trade routes, production hubs, and investment patterns shift, economic cooperation among countries is gaining increased strategic importance. At this crucial moment, strengthening international dialogue and cooperation within the business community is essential. In this context, I believe Türkiye should focus on strategies that prioritize people, harness technology as a driving force, and boost economic competitiveness in this new era. As DEİK, which has been operating for 41 years with this vision, we continue our efforts through our 153 Business Councils worldwide, aiming to boost cross-border investment and trade without using public funds, guided by our motto of “Business Diplomacy.’ Serving as the bridge through which Türkiye’s private sector engages internationally, we operate voluntarily alongside our Business Councils, Partner Organizations, Founding Institutions, Corporate Members, and colleagues. In this issue of Business Diplomacy, titled “With 4 Years to Go Until 2030: A New World Between Technology, People, and the Economy,” we explore the various facets of this significant transformation. With contributions from leading experts, I believe this issue will provide invaluable insights to the business community for understanding the rapidly evolving global economy and shaping new perspectives for the future.

I extend my gratitude to all the authors and contributors who helped prepare this issue and wish you an enjoyable read.