Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of global discussions, promising wide-ranging impacts while also raising concerns about its usage. Experts in Türkiye are weighing in on how the country is navigating this transformative technology.
Economic Potential
Zafer Küçükşabanoğlu, founder and chairperson of the Artificial Intelligence Policies Association (AIPA), stated, “AI holds great potential for countries. We know that AI will create an economic volume of approximately $15.7 trillion by 2030. So far, Türkiye has seven unicorn brands. To create more unicorns and strengthen the Turkish economy, we need AI entrepreneurs.”
He emphasized the importance of international collaborations, comparing it to global efforts on climate issues. “Increasing international collaborations in the AI ecosystem is very valuable,” he added.
AI’s Dual Nature
Tülay Kalyon Haznedaroğlu, a broadcast journalist, noted, “AI is responsible for shaping the future and influencing everything that happens in it. However, it lacks moral obligation and responsibility.”
She highlighted that AI has revolutionized the business world and work life, although dramatic economic effects are yet to be seen. “AI is neither inherently good nor bad; it is a tool that can be used for both beneficial and harmful purposes,” she underscored.
Challenges and Risks
Küçükşabanoğlu pointed out some negative effects of AI, such as deep fakes, spreading disinformation, and damaging privacy. He quoted Stephen Hawking: “The rise of powerful AI will be either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity. We do not know which.”
He also compared AI to Swiss Army Knives, saying both can provide efficiency and solve problems but carry risks.
National Strategy
Türkiye has taken significant steps, including the “National AI Strategy Document” and efforts by the Foreign and Industry and Technology Ministries. Küçükşabanoğlu emphasized the need for more coordinated efforts to elevate Türkiye’s position in AI.
“If we want to elevate our country from the second league to the first league in AI, we need to work more coordinately,” he said.
Young Population
Türkiye’s biggest asset in AI is its young population. Küçükşabanoğlu noted, “If we can convert their curiosity about AI into knowledge, Türkiye can enter the top 10 countries in AI rankings.”
He also highlighted the importance of education in AI, mentioning recent developments like ChatGPT. “The stronger we make our education system in our AI journey, the better we prepare our youth for the new world,” he said.
Technology Gap
Both Kalyon Haznedaroğlu and Küçükşabanoğlu argued that AI technology is not evenly distributed globally. Kalyon Haznedaroğlu stated, “New technology is never evenly distributed. It eventually spreads across the population when production costs decrease to an affordable level.”
Küçükşabanoğlu added, “There is a gap between developed and developing countries in AI investments, infrastructure, and human resources.”
AI Diplomacy
Küçükşabanoğlu introduced the concept of “AI Diplomacy,” emphasizing that AI is now central to topics concerning diplomacy, including security, defense, energy, economy, and migration.
“Our aim with the ‘AI Diplomacy’ brand is to bring together international relations professionals to discuss how AI is used in international relations and its effects,” he concluded.
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