Minister Kacır: Istanbul to become Global R&D and Innovation Hub
Istanbul, February 27 – Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır held a meeting with the presidents of organized industrial zones (OSB) operating in Istanbul. The minister announced ambitious plans to transform Istanbul into a leading global research and development (R&D) and innovation center.
The meeting, also attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, took place after an iftar dinner. Representatives from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and the Istanbul Chamber of Industry were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort to bolster the city’s economic future.
Strategic Discussions for Istanbul’s Economic Transformation
Minister Kacır shared details of the discussions on his social media platform, X, stating, “During the meeting held after iftar, we exchanged views on projects that will increase our city’s competitiveness, encourage high value-added production, and accelerate the transformation of our industry.”
He further emphasized Istanbul’s pivotal role in the national economy: “With its broad ecosystem ranging from finance to logistics, from defense industry to technology entrepreneurship, Istanbul is the locomotive of the Turkish economy.”
Commitment to R&D and Innovation Leadership
The minister reiterated the government’s strong commitment to this vision. “We are determined to make Istanbul a leading global R&D and innovation center,” Kacır declared, underscoring the strategic importance of this initiative for Turkey’s economic growth and technological advancement.
The transformation of Istanbul into a global R&D hub is expected to attract significant investments, foster technological innovation, and create numerous employment opportunities in high-tech sectors. This move aligns with Turkey’s broader strategy to enhance its industrial capabilities and position itself as a key player in the global technology landscape.
The discussions during the meeting focused on actionable strategies and projects designed to achieve these goals, including incentives for research and development activities, support for technology startups, and the development of advanced industrial infrastructure within the organized industrial zones.
This initiative is anticipated to strengthen Istanbul’s position not only as a commercial and financial center but also as a powerhouse of scientific and technological innovation, contributing significantly to the country’s economic prosperity and international competitiveness.
The Ministry of Industry and Technology, in collaboration with local government bodies and industry leaders, will continue to develop and implement policies aimed at realizing this vision for Istanbul.
Source: Ministry of Industry and Technology, Hürriyet Gazetecilik ve Matbaacılık A.Ş.
