As use matures, Türkiye moves to the next stage of its AI journey

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Türkiye recently announced plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to crack down on corporate tax evaders, with preliminary investigations identifying close to US$700 million underreported by large companies – reflecting the public sector's increasingly ambitious use of AI.

Since Türkiye rolled out its first national AI strategy in 2021, AI applications have been adopted across the ministries of healthcare, defence, finance and social protection to improve public service delivery and operational efficiency, says the country’s Digital Transformation Office’s (DTO) Head, Yusuf Tancan.

The emergence of various AI applications in the public sector are in part due to the government-led Public Sector Data Space (PSDS) initiative, which was inspired by the European Union (EU)’s data spaces model, he shares with GovInsider.

The initiative creates a controlled and trusted environment, where data held by public institutions can be processed by users in both private and public sector to develop AI and big data applications for public benefit, says Tancan.

Unlike open data, which allows anyone to access and use datasets, data spaces are decentralised infrastructures that facilitate the secure exchange of data through privacy-enhancing technologies.

Tancan highlights that the initiative has been key to “significantly advancing [the] National AI Strategy”.  

Formed in 2018, DTO drives a coordinated approach to digital transformation efforts across the government. The agency’s focus has evolved from digitalising public services to creating a broader digital ecosystem across society.

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Türkiye’s progress on its current national AI strategy

Out of 122 projects outlined initially, Tancan shares that 34 have been successfully completed, with 40 progressing as planned.

The completed projects include establishing 47 workforce training and higher education programmes directly related to AI, as well as funding 28 industry projects through an open call for AI innovations from the private sector called TÜBİTAK 1711.

After an open call for AI innovations in the public sector, the government has accepted five proposals that have been evaluated to spur significant developments in strategic areas.

DTO and the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) are also coordinating the data protocols and processes to support the country’s new data and AI initiatives.

To monitor progress, Tancan adds that the DTO and the Ministry of Industry and Technology conduct a quarterly evaluation process to review public feedback.

“Additionally, key performance indicators are periodically reviewed and adjusted if necessary to stay responsive to evolving project needs and advancements in technology,” adds Tancan.

Short-term action plan for long-term goals

Before the strategy reaches its tail end in 2025, Tancan shares that the government has “strategically removed” 22 projects deemed to have low impact.

A short-term action plan was released this August, outlining immediate steps to take before DTO publishes the next four-year strategy.

“This should not be perceived as a new strategy, but rather as a refinement of the previous year's planning,” he emphasises, adding that action plans enable the government to “move dynamically and flexibly.”

The plan will help Türkiye adapt to the rapidly evolving AI space, as well as address the “recently arising policy challenges concerning AI ethics and safety,” he adds.

The 26 new actions include implementing a project to groom young talent in the field of AI, as well as develop a Turkish large language model (LLM) which will enhance the country’s capabilities in natural language processing, he notes.

“To encourage reliable and ethical AI, we are also strengthening data management mechanisms," he adds.

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Prioritise responsible AI

Responsible and inclusive AI applications are among key priorities in the coming years.

The requirement for draft AI regulations were first raised by an opposition party in parliament in June this year. However, “foundational work” has been underway before that to align Türkiye’s AI policies with the EU’s AI Act, says Tancan.

“This alignment ensures that AI technologies are responsibly and ethically implemented within the public sector,” he explains.

Currently, DTO has published an AI circular that sets out standards for transparency, accountability and fairness around the use of AI across public institutions.

Its next priorities are centred on harmonising its frameworks around ethical AI deployment with international best practices, as well as introducing a “trustworthy AI seal.”

The seal is a certification for AI systems to assure citizens that systems meet rigorous ethical and technical standards.

“This seal, alongside our algorithmic accountability guidelines, assures citizens that AI-driven public services are effective, fair, and comprehensible,” he explains.

While it is still early days for DTO to confirm exact release dates for the initiatives, Tancan shares that the agency “expects to make significant strides in the coming months.”

Importance of trust in digital transformation

Additionally, DTO is looking at EU’s NIS 2 Directive as it works towards implementing a cybersecurity framework for resilient digital infrastructure.

“This framework supports data privacy, protects critical infrastructure, and encourages use of domestic cybersecurity products in the public sector.”

Tancan shares that the government is also exploring ways to harness blockchain technology to increase transparency and data integrity in applications that require secure, tamper-proof records.

“It is valuable for government’s inter-agency data sharing and verification processes, as it supports secure digital identities and audit trails, ensuring high trust in public data management systems,” he adds.

Tancan highlights the importance of an integrated approach to not only modernise services, but commit to ethical data use, inclusivity and a secure digital environment.

“This integrated approach aims to position Türkiye as a global benchmark in digital governance, ensuring that our digital advancements contribute to national development while empowering citizens and reinforcing trust in government,” he explains.