T3 Podcast | Digital Transformation Office - Dr. Ali Taha Koç

Türkiye's Digital Transformation Vision and the Presidency of Digital Transformation Activities

In this episode of the T3 Podcast we welcome Dr. Ali Taha Koç. As the Head of the Presidency of Digital Transformation, Koç details Türkiye's digital vision, ongoing projects, and key themes and ideas shaping the country's digitalization process.

Definition and Importance of Digital Transformation

According to Dr. Koç, digital transformation is today not an option but a necessity. This process aims not only to use technology but also to produce technology in order to enhance social and economic well-being. Success in digital transformation requires more than technology alone; it also demands the development of qualified human resources and the establishment of work practices aligned with these technologies.

Core Responsibilities of the Digital Transformation Office

The office's main responsibilities include facilitating Türkiye's digitalization, managing the e-Devlet Kapısı, and raising awareness and implementing measures in the field of cybersecurity. Efforts such as the Information Security Guide aim to elevate Türkiye's cybersecurity standards.

Türkiye's Digital State Vision and the e-Devlet Kapısı

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digitalization by increasing e-Devlet usage by 100 to 150 percent. The e-Devlet Kapısı, with over 56 million users, provides more than 5,700 services and has achieved a user satisfaction rate of 92.5 percent according to surveys. The future vision is to transform the e-Devlet from a passive service portal into a proactive "digital friend" that anticipates citizens' needs.

Domestic and National Software and Investments

Türkiye aims to become a country that produces technology, not merely consumes it, guided by the spirit of the "national technology initiative". The software of the e-Devlet Kapısı is a fully domestic and national product developed by TÜRKSAT. Thanks to this localization, Türkiye can define its own digital path and export this technology to friendly countries such as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Human Resource Development and Cybersecurity

To enhance human resources, a critical element of digital transformation, the One Million Coders Project is being implemented. Under this initiative, free training in software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity is offered through the BTK Academy. Additionally, coding education is being introduced at the primary school level, and initiatives such as the Cybersecurity Vocational High School aim to cultivate qualified experts.

Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2021–2025)

Developed through collaboration between the public sector, private industry, and academia, the Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Strategy focuses on six key strategic priorities. These include training AI specialists, facilitating access to data and infrastructure, and supporting R&D in artificial intelligence. The goal is to increase AI's contribution to Türkiye's Gross Domestic Product to 5 percent by 2025.

Advice for Young People

Dr. Koç encourages young people to participate in competitions such as Teknofest to enhance their capacity for innovation. He emphasizes that they must become not just users of digital technologies but producers, and recommends that they develop expertise in critical areas such as cybersecurity and implement their own projects with the support of the Digital Transformation Office.