Developing an Innovation-Oriented Society

Well-developed societies are often built upon the foundation of a rules-based order and systems. A fair and just rules-based system provides structure, stability, and a sense of predictability. These rules encompass laws, regulations, social norms, and established traditions that are crucial to the behavioral interactions we witness in society today.

Norms and rules are often assumed to bear desired results, but it is also true that the courage to look beyond set rules and systems have given way to innovations. History is rife with such examples. It is also the desire and envy to fly like birds that encouraged the Wright brothers to take the first “free, controlled, and sustained flight in a power-driven, heavier-than-air machine” in 1903. As was rightly quoted by Orville Wright: “The desire to fly is an idea handed down to us by our ancestors who, in their grueling travels across trackless lands in prehistoric times, looked enviously on the birds soaring freely through.”

If the Wright brothers had not mustered up the courage to think beyond societal norms that humans cannot fly, the global aviation industry would not have been born. Innovators possess a unique perspective that allows them to question the status quo, challenge conventional wisdom and explore new possibilities. They are driven by a desire to push boundaries, solve complex problems, and bring about positive change.

This is the same thought-process that will be required by the Turkish government to emerge stronger from the impacts of a deadly earthquake that struck the country in February 2023. Türkiye has a herculean task at hand of embarking on a recovery, while charting a path to continuous growth. Will it be capable to bring about a mindset that promotes innovation – the will to think “out of the box” for the greater good? 

Such and many more topics will be discussed in the Horasis Global Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Gaziantep, Türkiye between 22-23 October 2023. The meeting will bring together the world’s best-known business leaders, who along with government officials and representatives from international organizations will brainstorm with senior members of the Horasis Visions Community to find solutions to critical challenges facing corporations and societies today.

Promoting Innovation

Promoting an innovation-oriented society in Türkiye will warrant a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, policies, and initiatives. The country should focus and invest in the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs to nurture a strong foundation among school-going students in technical skills. Over the years, Türkiye has focused on increasing STEM adoption and knowledge among the general public. TEKNOFEST is Türkiye‘s first and only aerospace and technology festival which is held every year. The annual event holds tech competitions in various categories such as intelligent transport, biotechnology, educational technology, robotics, flying cars and UAV design, unmanned underwater systems, agricultural technologies, and tourism innovations. The event’s 2022 edition witnessed more than 154,000 teams and more than 600,000 competitors from 81 provinces, with 107 countries applying for these competitions.

Research and development (R&D) is also a critical area that the government needs to nurture if it plans to push for innovation in its society. Türkiye’s spending on R&D hit an all-time high of 1.06% of its GDP in 2019, amounting to ₺45.95 billion (US$1.72 billion). As of that year, some 182,000 personnel were employed in the R&D industry – up by 6.2% year-on-year. Türkiye has also made major investments to boost its technology infrastructure. The country now boasts of over 80 technoparks – special technology development zones – and over 6,000 firms are performing R&D activities in these zones.

Türkiye has also embarked on an ambitious broadband plan, connecting 100% of the nation’s household with 100 Mbps broadband connectivity by 2023. The national strategy also aims to transition to 5G services, promote innovative digital technologies such as M2M and IoT applications, and increase cybersecurity preparedness of the country.

Future of Innovation in Türkiye

As it looks towards its future, Türkiye holds limitless potential as it continues to invest in its technological infrastructure, educational system, and business environment. 

The Turkish government actively promotes and supports the startup ecosystem in Türkiye by providing a range of policies and programs to encourage the creation and expansion of businesses. Government organizations started facilitating and assisting the growth of regional startup mentors, accelerator programs, angel networks, business internationalization initiatives, venture capital funds, and crowdfunding platforms since 2012. The Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TÜBITAK) has also been awarding grants to entrepreneurs in the idea stage through its TUBITAK BiGG Program. Around 268 idea-stage firms were awarded funds totaling ₺200,000 (US$7,479) each in 2021; while 178 of such startups received grants totaling ₺450,000 (US$16,827) each in 2022.

While challenges such as regulatory hurdles, talent retention, and market competition exist, Türkiye ‘s strategic location, young population, and growing tech ecosystem provide a solid foundation for an innovation-oriented future.