Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow of the National Technology Initiative

Türkiye's journey toward technological independence has not only been a national development effort but has also been shaped by the goal of enhancing its competitiveness on a global scale. Despite enduring a long struggle for autonomy and facing numerous obstacles, this journey has served as a driving force for Türkiye to develop its own technologies. Both the challenges of external dependency and national development objectives have steered Türkiye toward domestic production and innovative technologies.

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With the proclamation of the Republic, Atatürk emphasized that Türkiye must achieve not only political independence but also economic and technological independence. Under Atatürk’s leadership, comprehensive reforms were implemented in the early years of the Republic in the fields of agriculture, industry, education, and defense.

• Agriculture: The establishment of Village Institutes aimed to educate rural populations and promote modern agricultural techniques. This step became a crucial strategy for boosting domestic production. Additionally, the local manufacturing of agricultural machinery was encouraged.
• Industry: Türkiye’s industrial infrastructure was strengthened through investments in iron and steel, textile, and food industries. Particularly, the coal mines in Zonguldak and the Ereğli Iron and Steel Factory laid the foundations for Türkiye’s industrialization.
• Education: The Unification of Education Law brought about fundamental reforms and unified the education system. The invitation of foreign scientists paved the way for the training of Turkish scientists. Steps were also taken to increase the number of universities and strengthen scientific research infrastructure.
• Transportation and Infrastructure: Railways were expanded, and roads and ports were constructed. These projects enabled growth in both domestic and foreign trade and made significant contributions to Türkiye’s economic development.
• Defense Industry: Türkiye accelerated efforts toward domestic production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers in the defense sector. The first domestically produced weapons were launched in the 1930s, and over time, Türkiye’s defense industry evolved to produce its own technologies.

The 1974 Cyprus Operation became one of Türkiye’s greatest external challenges. Arms embargoes imposed by Western countries, particularly the United States, dealt a severe blow to Türkiye’s defense industry. However, these restrictions strengthened Türkiye’s resolve to build a more powerful and independent defense industry.

• Domestic Production in the Defense Industry: The arms embargoes following the Cyprus Operation redirected Türkiye toward domestic production. During this period, companies such as ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, and Roketsan began increasing Türkiye’s domestic production capacity by developing local ammunition and weapon systems.
• Engineering and Technological Innovation: Locally developed Turkish aircraft, helicopters, and munitions have become symbols of Türkiye’s struggle for technological independence. For example, the development of indigenous fighter jets for the Turkish Air Force stands as one of the most important milestones of this era.
• Investment in Domestic Production: Despite financial and infrastructural shortcomings during its industrialization journey, Türkiye made substantial investments in domestic production, the fruits of which are now becoming clearly visible.

Today, Türkiye’s struggle for technological independence has gained significant momentum. Particularly, major successes in the defense industry have transformed Türkiye into a global technology producer.

• Achievements in the Defense Industry: Giants such as ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, and HAVELSAN have signed numerous projects worldwide. Türkiye’s indigenous fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), tanks, and missiles are attracting considerable attention in the global market.
• The Bayraktar Family and Baykar: Under the leadership of Selçuk Bayraktar, UAVs such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı have strengthened Türkiye’s position in the defense industry. Baykar has become a major global player in unmanned aerial systems.
• Domestic Automobile and Space Program: By launching its domestic automobile, TOGG, Türkiye has strengthened its independence in the automotive sector. Additionally, Türkiye’s space program, with its indigenous satellite and rocket systems, has taken significant steps toward achieving technological autonomy.

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The nationwide expansion of the National Technology Initiative has been made possible by increasing young people’s interest in technology. To this end, various projects and initiatives have been launched:

• TEKNOFEST: TEKNOFEST, Türkiye’s largest technology and aviation festival, has become an annual event that directs hundreds of thousands of young people toward technology. Students and entrepreneurs develop projects in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Deneyap Technology Workshops: Established by the T3 Foundation, the Deneyap Technology Workshops have created an educational platform that increases young people’s interest in technology and equips them with expertise in this field. In these workshops, youth receive training in engineering, software, and design to develop their own projects.
• Other Projects of the T3 Foundation: The T3 Foundation also supports young entrepreneurs through various initiatives, contributing to Türkiye’s goal of technological independence. These projects bring young people closer to technological innovation and strengthen Türkiye’s technological infrastructure.

The National Technology Initiative carries the hope of positioning Türkiye as a global leader in the future. Young people, engineers, and entrepreneurs are embracing the national technology initiative to further strengthen Türkiye’s independence goals. Through investments across all sectors—from education to industry—efforts are underway to create a Türkiye that holds a voice on the global stage. Technological independence will reinforce Türkiye’s strength and sovereignty. Türkiye’s technological autonomy will directly impact not only national security but also economic growth and global prestige. In this context, adopting and sustaining the National Technology Initiative is one of the key pillars of Türkiye’s future success.