The IT industry in Turkey has been growing rapidly in recent years, driven by factors such as increased investment, government support, and a growing pool of skilled professionals. The industry has been identified as a key area of focus for the government’s economic development plans, with initiatives aimed at promoting the growth of the sector.
According to the Turkish Informatics Industry Association (TUBISAD), the size of the IT sector in Turkey reached 86 billion Turkish Liras (approximately 10.3 billion USD) in 2020, representing a growth rate of 12.5% compared to the previous year. The industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years, with projections of reaching 109 billion Turkish Liras (approximately 13.1 billion USD) by 2023.
The IT industry in Turkey covers a wide range of areas, including software development, hardware manufacturing, IT services, and e-commerce. The country is home to a number of notable IT companies, including global players like Turkcell, Havelsan, and Vodafone, as well as a vibrant start-up ecosystem.
Turkey’s geographical location, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has also made it an attractive destination for international IT companies looking to expand their operations in the region. The country’s strategic location, combined with its relatively low operating costs and highly-skilled workforce, has led to the establishment of a number of multinational IT companies in Turkey.
In terms of infrastructure, Turkey has made significant investments in recent years to improve its digital infrastructure, including the rollout of high-speed internet and the development of e-government services. The government has also launched initiatives aimed at promoting the development of smart cities and the use of digital technologies in various sectors, such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
Overall, the IT industry in Turkey is poised for continued growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as government support, a growing pool of skilled professionals, strategic location and a favorable business environment. As a result, Turkey has a rapidly growing IT industry, with a significant number of IT companies operating in the country. According to the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly, the IT industry was the second-highest exporting sector in Turkey in 2020, with a total of $21.7 billion in exports.
There are several business opportunities in Turkey for foreign investors operating in the IT sector, including:
- Software development: Turkey has a growing number of software development companies that specialize in various areas, such as mobile app development, web development, and cloud-based software solutions. Foreign investors can partner with these companies or set up their own development centers in Turkey.
- E-commerce: Turkey has a large and growing e-commerce market, with a young and tech-savvy population. Foreign investors can tap into this market by partnering with existing e-commerce platforms or by launching their own e-commerce ventures.
- Digital marketing: As more businesses in Turkey move online, the demand for digital marketing services is increasing. Foreign investors can offer services such as social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and pay-per-click advertising to
Turkish companies.
- Cybersecurity: With the increasing threat of cyber attacks, there is a growing demandfor cybersecurity solutions in Turkey. Foreign investors can offer services such as cybersecurity consulting, penetration testing, and managed security services to Turkish companies.
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Turkey has a growing number of companies that are developing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions. Foreign investors can partner with these companies or set up their own AI/ML development centers in Turkey.
By partnering with Turkinvest as your business and public affairs consultant, you can benefit from our extensive network of contacts in the Turkish IT sector. Count on us to help you establish new business relationships and expand your operations in this fast-paced and ever-changing market.