Ankara's AI Vision: A 'Devlet Aklı' Approach to Digital Sovereignty

ANKARA – In a move signaling Ankara's unwavering commitment to securing its digital future, the Turkish government has officially unveiled its comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, dubbed 'Devlet Aklı' (State Mind) AI. This ambitious roadmap, presented by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, aims to position Turkey as a regional powerhouse in AI development and application, with a strong emphasis on national security and economic self-sufficiency.

The 'Devlet Aklı' framework, a concept deeply rooted in Turkish political thought emphasizing long-term strategic thinking and national interest, reflects a distinct approach compared to some Western counterparts. Rather than solely focusing on market liberalization, the strategy outlines significant state-led investment in critical AI infrastructure, data localization, and the cultivation of a national AI talent pool. This includes the establishment of a new 'Milli Yapay Zeka Enstitüsü' (National Artificial Intelligence Institute) tasked with coordinating research and development across public and private sectors.