Turkey to restructure technology council, says minister

ISTANBUL – Anadolu Agency

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The government will overhaul Turkey’s top science and technology research council in order to “build closer cooperation with the private sector,” Technology Minister Fikri Işık stated on Dec. 11.

“We will re-structure the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey [TÜBİTAK] to support and promote private-sector research and development activities,” Işık said, speaking at the opening of the Satellite, Space and Technology Days event in Istanbul on Dec. 11.

He added that TÜBİTAK would focus on core projects and programs that private sector firms are not currently involved in, saying the new council would also be expected to manage projects.

Işık said Turkey has two options: Either import or develop technology.

“The first option is easy but not sustainable. The second option is much more difficult, but it guarantees Turkey’s future,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Communication Minister Binali Yıldırım also said Turkey should focus on new technologies to reach the “2023 goals” outlined by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

“Turkey cannot reach those targets by exporting traditional products. We need to focus on new technologies,” Yıldırım said.