Ankara, Turkey – April 24, 2026 – Gürsel Baran, President of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO), declared at the 5th International Ankara Brand Meetings that the capital city should emerge as a leader in leveraging artificial intelligence for economic prosperity. Baran outlined a comprehensive vision for Ankara to become a global hub for technology and AI.
AI and Strategic Positioning: A New Development Model
In his opening remarks, ATO President Gürsel Baran highlighted a vision that integrates trade and technology under the umbrella of branding. He underscored that artificial intelligence is not merely a technical tool but a foundational model for development. Baran asserted that companies capable of accurately interpreting data will gain significant advantages in cost efficiency and productivity. He also noted that technology empowers brands to anticipate customer needs, emphasizing that the core challenge lies not in possessing technology but in strategically positioning it effectively.
Human-Centric and Ethical Transformation: Prioritizing Societal Benefit
Baran cautioned that while artificial intelligence offers numerous opportunities, it also presents risks related to cybersecurity and ethics. He stressed the imperative of placing humanity at the center of this technological transformation. Baran advocated for the development of AI systems that are transparent, fair, and serve human dignity, underscoring the importance of generating societal benefits. He warned that mismanagement of this process could lead to errors, but expressed confidence that with proper governance, Turkey and Ankara could achieve a significantly stronger position.
Ankara’s Potential: Driven by Defense Industry Expertise
Baran drew a direct correlation between Turkey’s proficiency in artificial intelligence and its success in the defense industry, positioning Ankara as a highly advantageous ecosystem. He noted that the accumulated expertise in the defense sector also enriches civilian domains such as healthcare, transportation, and security. Baran affirmed that the capital is steadily progressing towards becoming a magnet for technology. He concluded by stating that Ankara’s universities and technoparks will play a pivotal role in this endeavor, with the ultimate goal of transforming the city into a brand that generates both value and culture.
Source: IHA
