What's Happening?
A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), titled 'Digital Economy and Society Outlook 2026,' indicates that Türkiye significantly lags behind other member countries in the adoption and use of artificial intelligence
(AI) and other digital technologies. According to the report, only 7.4% of Turkish companies with 10 or more employees utilized AI in 2025, a stark contrast to the OECD average of 20.3%. The gap is even wider for cloud computing, with only 20.3% of Turkish firms using it compared to the OECD average of 54.6%. The report attributes this slow uptake not to reluctance, but to barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate digital infrastructure, and a shortage of digital skills. These issues disproportionately affect smaller firms, older adults, and lower-income households.
Why It's Important?
Türkiye's slow adoption of AI and digital technologies, as highlighted by the OECD report, has significant implications for its economic competitiveness and future growth. In an increasingly digital global economy, a country's ability to integrate advanced technologies like AI and cloud computing is crucial for productivity, innovation, and market relevance. For the U.S., this situation in a NATO ally and a key regional player could impact trade relationships and investment opportunities. A less digitally advanced Türkiye might present fewer opportunities for U.S. tech companies seeking international markets or partnerships. Furthermore, the identified barriers—lack of finance, infrastructure, and skills—are common challenges in many developing economies, offering insights into potential areas for international cooperation and development aid that could benefit U.S. foreign policy and economic interests by fostering more robust global markets.
What's Next?
The OECD report's findings suggest a need for Türkiye to implement more targeted digital policies that address the identified barriers. While current policies focus on innovation and trust, they largely overlook the practical challenges faced by small businesses, older adults, and lower-income households. Moving forward, Türkiye may need to invest more in digital infrastructure, provide financial incentives for technology adoption, and develop comprehensive digital skills training programs. The report's emphasis on cost and skills as major determinants of access indicates that future interventions should prioritize making technology more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population. The U.S. and other international partners could potentially offer support or expertise in these areas, aligning with broader goals of global digital inclusion and economic development.
Beyond the Headlines
The disparity in digital technology adoption within Türkiye, particularly the significant gap between large and small firms, and across different age and income groups, points to a deeper issue of digital inequality. This 'digital divide' can exacerbate existing socio-economic inequalities, limiting opportunities for certain segments of the population and hindering overall national progress. The report's observation that older adults in Türkiye have a significantly lower rate of generative AI use compared to the OECD average highlights a potential future challenge in workforce adaptability and social inclusion. Addressing these disparities is not just an economic imperative but also a social one, requiring a holistic approach that considers education, access, and affordability to ensure that the benefits of the digital revolution are shared more equitably across society. This situation in Türkiye serves as a case study for similar challenges faced by other nations, including aspects within the U.S., regarding equitable access to and utilization of advanced technologies.
