 capabilities, according to an index released by Stanford University on the current state of global AI development.){kind=link}
Turkey is ranked 31st among 36 countries in artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, according to an index released by Stanford University on the current state of global AI development.
The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) released its Global AI Vibrancy Tool, which provides an interactive platform for analyzing AI development across 36 nations through 42 distinct indicators organized into eight primary pillars.
This assessment framework evaluates nations for research and development, responsible AI, economic impact, education, diversity, policy and governance, public opinion and infrastructure, with expert panels contributing to the final vibrancy scores.
HAI’s AI Index Report 2024 positions itself as a critical instrument for navigating the increasingly complex landscape of global artificial intelligence development and governance. This report analyzes emerging patterns in AI advancement, encompassing technical innovations, societal implications and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
In the realm of industrial automation, Turkey has demonstrated notable momentum, achieving a 22 percent year-over-year increase in robot installations from 2021 to 2022. This development positions the nation as the second most dynamic market globally in industrial robotics deployment, following Singapore’s 68 percent growth rate.
The education sector presents another area of strategic advancement, with Turkey recording a 197 percent increase in informatics, computer science and IT master’s graduates over the past decade. This achievement positions Turkey third among European nations in expanding its technical workforce, following Germany’s 259 percent growth and marginally surpassing Spain’s 194 percent increase.
Turkey lags in contributing to the development of foundation models, a key indicator of AI capabilities, with no documented models, compared to 109 in the United States and 20 in China.
Current public sentiment data reveals measured perspectives toward AI integration, with 43 percent of the Turkish population perceiving AI products and services as beneficial.
The report also notes opportunities for development regarding AI safety and reliability frameworks in Turkey, an increasingly crucial aspect of global AI governance and development standards.
Dr. R. Erdem Erkul, co-founder of AI startup Cerebrum Tech, outlines several strategic imperatives for Turkey to advance in Stanford’s AI Index and stressed the importance of comprehensive policy reforms and institutional development.
His recommendations encompass developing a robust National AI Strategy, including educational reform with AI-focused curricula, increased research and development investments, enhanced support for the startup ecosystem, promotion of open data policies and establishment of global data centers.
Regarding investment and funding, Erkul references successful models in the United States, China, France and Korea, recommending Turkey increase its R&D investments to 3 percent of GDP. He advocates for expanded public-private partnerships to create substantial technology funds and provide incentives for domestic AI initiatives.
His recommendations include expanding AI awareness and certification programs in universities, implementing AI education from primary school level, and developing strategies to retain skilled professionals domestically.
In terms of infrastructure development, Erkul advocates for establishing an open data ecosystem facilitating public and private sector data sharing, coupled with a comprehensive regulatory framework addressing AI ethics and legal considerations.
He also recommends establishing technology development zones and incubation centers, offering tax advantages, providing low-interest loans and enhancing export incentives for AI-focused enterprises.
International collaboration emerges as a crucial component, with emphasis on strengthening partnerships with the United States, Korea and European nations, while expanding private sector and academic collaboration. Erkul proposes implementing an inclusive AI awareness campaign and expanding reskilling and upskilling programs to facilitate workforce transformation.