The Turkish parliamentary AI commission aims to enhance AI development, focusing on human resources, legislation, and global competitiveness in a comprehensive report due by mid-May.
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| Türkiye's AI research commission is set to unveil a "vision document" by May, outlining strategies to strengthen the country's AI ecosystem and address future challenges. Image Courtesy: AA/ DS |
Istanbul, Turkiye — February 17, 2025:
Türkiye's newly established parliamentary commission on artificial intelligence (AI) research is on track to finalize a comprehensive "vision document" aimed at enhancing the nation's AI ecosystem. The commission, which began its work in January, plans to conclude by mid-May, with a report that will highlight strategies for advancing AI and identify areas requiring further attention.
Fatih Dönmez, the chairperson of the commission, emphasized that the document will shape an AI ecosystem grounded in science, justice, and social sensitivity, approaching the issue from a supra-partisan perspective. The commission has been gathering insights from experts across public institutions, private sector, universities, and civil society organizations.
The commission has already visited TÜBITAK ULAKBIM’s data center, where Türkiye's most powerful supercomputer is housed, and is set to visit Istanbul Technical University and Koç University. The goal is to assess the country’s AI capabilities and evaluate public understanding of the technology.
Dönmez outlined that the commission’s focus areas would include the development of AI legislation, fostering international cooperation, preparing for socio-economic changes, and strengthening the labor force in AI. The commission has also been studying AI regulatory frameworks in the U.S. and the European Union.
One key issue is balancing regulation to ensure fundamental rights and freedoms while not stifling innovation. Dönmez pointed out that the AI sector could contribute an additional 5% to Türkiye’s national income over the next decade.
The commission also aims to address the need for human resources in the field, with plans to train 50,000 AI experts in the initial phase. This effort includes aligning university curriculums and establishing the necessary infrastructure, such as supercomputers and data centers, to support the growth of AI in Türkiye.
Dönmez expressed optimism about the return of Turkish AI experts from abroad to help build a strong national AI ecosystem, positioning Türkiye as a global player in AI innovation.