VMind CEO Volkan Duman outlines digital transformation outlook for Turkish SMEs, artificial intelligence policies, and international expansion plans.
In an interview on Bloomberg HT’s Üst Düzey program with Arzu Maliki, VMind CEO Volkan Duman shared insights into Turkey’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, highlighting the increasing digitalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the rise of artificial intelligence, and his company’s global ambitions.
Duman noted that Turkey is home to approximately 3.5 million SMEs, which form the backbone of the country’s economy. “In previous years, compared to European countries, our investment in technology was quite low. For instance, while Finland had a technology investment rate of 78%, Turkey was at just 12%,” he said. “But awareness is growing. We expect this figure to rise to 20% in the near future.”
VMind’s Role in the Digital Shift
Operating in the cloud technologies sector, VMind provides services in areas such as data storage, cybersecurity, and AI-based applications. Duman emphasized that the company’s mission is to help businesses manage their IT investments securely and cost-effectively.
VMind has ranked in the Bilişim 500 list for the past six years and is a top performer in the local producers category. “It’s a source of pride for us that a company born in Turkey is now working on global projects,” Duman stated.
AI Momentum and Policy Needs
Duman also pointed to a significant rise in AI activity in Turkey over the past decade. “Today, around 1,000 companies in Turkey are involved in artificial intelligence. This may be sufficient for now, but we need strategic, long-term government policies to sustain this growth,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of state incentives in driving innovation in critical technologies. “The defense industry is a great example of successful strategic investment. But we need to extend this approach to other sectors as well,” Duman noted, stressing the importance of developing know-how through schools and technoparks.
Going Global: VMind Eyes EU Expansion
Currently serving 26 sectors, VMind works with both local SMEs and major international companies. Duman revealed that the company has built an extensive domestic network and is now focused on expanding abroad.
“We are working on establishing a data center within the European Union. Our goal is to offer the same high-level services in Europe that we provide in Turkey, and to grow our customer portfolio,” he said.
Embracing Change for Long-Term Competitiveness
Duman concluded by underlining the importance of efficiency in times when market growth is limited. “In the near future, all sectors will need to take steps toward digital transformation. This shift shouldn’t be feared—Turkey has a young, dynamic population. Improving efficiency will be the key factor for businesses to remain competitive,” he stated.
This rising momentum in digital transformation reflects broader trends in Turkey’s tech ecosystem, as local innovators like VMind position themselves to play a larger role on the international stage.
Source: Bloomberght/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök