Research Funds Amounting to $16 Billion Announced by Minister of Industry for Research and Development
Turkey has made significant strides in the realm of research and development (R&D), with its expenditure now comparable to countries like Italy and Spain. This growth has been facilitated by a commitment to increase R&D expenditure from 0.5% to 1.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP), raising it from $1.2 billion to $16 billion per year.
The industry minister, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, announced this ambitious plan at Turkey's premier tech event, Teknofest 2025. The event, organised by the Turkish Technology Team (T3) Foundation and Turkey's Industry and Technology Ministry, took place in the vibrant Turkish metropolis of Istanbul from September 17 to 21.
The five-day event witnessed a surge in the number of patent applications, with a dramatic increase from 414 last year to over 10,000. This surge in intellectual property rights (IPR) is a testament to the growing innovation and creativity within Turkey. In fact, the total IPR pool in Turkey has increased from 93,000 to 2 million registered IP rights.
The growth in R&D human resources is equally impressive. The number of researchers and developers in Turkey has skyrocketed from 29,000 to over 290,000. This expansion is crucial for Turkey's ambition to achieve technological independence, a key component in its "Century of Turkey" goals.
The rise in R&D expenditure and human resources has also led to the establishment of more technology parks. From just two parks, Turkey now boasts 113 technology parks, providing a fertile ground for innovation and technological advancement.
Anadolu serves as the global communications partner for Teknofest 2025, ensuring that the event's groundbreaking achievements receive global recognition. The event showcased Turkey's commitment to technological progress and its ambition to become a global leader in technology and innovation.
In his speech at Teknofest 2025, Minister Kacır emphasised the importance of economic independence, stating that it is contingent on technological independence. He also highlighted the significant resources and investments that have been made in intellectual property in Turkey.
Teknofest 2025 was a milestone in Turkey's journey towards technological independence and a testament to the country's commitment to innovation and progress. As Turkey continues to invest in R&D and foster a culture of innovation, it is poised to make significant strides in the global tech landscape.
