According to the 2025 AI Index Report published by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), Türkiye’s progress in artificial intelligence was analyzed in detail using data across more than 10 categories, including investment levels, workforce development, public perception, and international positioning.
Türkiye Ranks 2nd in AI-Related Public Contract Spending
Between 2013 and 2023, Türkiye emerged as the second-highest country in terms of median value for AI-related public contracts. The median value of Türkiye’s AI-focused public contracts was recorded at $2.81 million, placing it just behind Switzerland:
- Switzerland – $3.05 million
- Türkiye – $2.81 million
- Ireland – $1.42 million
- Luxembourg – $1.15 million
- Denmark – $1.07 million
Countries at the bottom of this list include Greece ($0.55M), Latvia ($0.56M), and Estonia ($0.57M). While Türkiye’s total contract volume might be lower, the value per project indicates significant investment.
AI Hiring Trends: Türkiye Sees Rebound in 2024
LinkedIn data from the report highlights that Türkiye’s AI-related hiring rate in 2024 reached 20.36%. The trends from 2018 to 2024 are notable:
- 2018–2020: High growth rates with hiring rates starting above 50%
- 2021–2023: A noticeable dip in hiring momentum
- 2024: A positive resurgence, marking a 20.36% increase
Public Perception: Türkiye Balances Excitement and Caution
Survey data from 2024 indicates that 65% of Türkiye’s population expresses excitement about AI-driven technologies, while approximately 50% also report feeling apprehensive. This places Türkiye in the “high interest + medium concern” category globally.
Türkiye Leads in Gender Balance in ICT Education
While the United States continues to lead in the number of graduates in information and communication technology (ICT) across all educational levels, Türkiye stands out with the best gender balance in this field.
Gender Gap in AI Expertise Persists
According to the “2015–2024 AI Skill Intensity by Gender” report:
- AI expertise score for men: 0.96
- AI expertise score for women: 0.66
With a 0.30 point gender gap, Türkiye ranks 14th among 17 countries. In terms of AI talent concentration growth since 2016, Türkiye achieved a 198% increase, ranking 7th among 18 countries.
Türkiye’s AI Talent Migration: Brain Drain Remains a Concern
The “net AI talent migration” figure for Türkiye in 2024 is –0.49, indicating that the country is losing more AI experts than it is attracting. This means nearly half a professional per 10,000 in the sector is leaving the country annually.
AI Skills Density and Regional Competence
From 2015 to 2024, Türkiye scored 0.94 in regional AI skills intensity, ranking 13th out of 16 countries analyzed via LinkedIn profiles.
Industrial Robot Adoption
In 2023, Türkiye integrated 4,400 industrial robots into production. This number surpasses countries like the United Kingdom (3,800) and Thailand (3,600), highlighting Türkiye’s growing automation capabilities in manufacturing.
Source: CNBC-e /Prepared by: İlayda Gök