Harnessing AI For Türkiye’s Economic Growth!

Richard Foster-FletcherJune 6, 2024

At the AI [Tomorrow Summit] 2024, I had the honour of discussing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence for Türkiye’s economy, particularly focusing on the role of generative AI.

I’m very happy to be able to share my full talk. Here are the key points from my keynote:

Generative AI and SMEs
– Transformative Force: Generative AI is pivotal for Türkiye’s 3.2 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up 99.8% of businesses.
– Economic Impact: By enhancing automation, personalisation, and productivity, AI can potentially boost Türkiye’s GDP by $45 billion.

The Importance of Upskilling
– User-Friendly Tools: Tools like ChatGPT are accessible but require guidance for effective use.
– Empowerment: Providing clear pathways and understanding the risks and opportunities associated with AI is crucial for SMEs.

Ethical Considerations and Data Sovereignty
– Local AI Models: Developing AI models and frameworks that respect Turkish customs and ensure data privacy is essential.
– Mitigating Risks: Addressing data sovereignty and cultural relevance will promote a more inclusive AI ecosystem.

Future of Jobs and Education
– Job Market Impact: AI will create new technical roles but may displace less technical positions.
– Educational Focus: Robust education and reskilling programs are needed to bridge the skills gap and prepare graduates for the evolving job landscape.

Encouragement and Empowerment
– Support for SMEs: Encouragement and clear communication are key to helping SMEs integrate AI effectively.
– Pathways to Integration: Providing straightforward pathways will enable businesses to leverage AI to its fullest potential.

Call to Action
Embracing AI with a considered and ethical approach will drive Türkiye’s economic growth and innovation. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with these discussions, understand the implications, and take proactive steps towards integrating AI responsibly.

Special Thanks and Congratulations

Congratulations to Zafer Küçükşabanoğlu, Gökhan Varan, İlayda Sümen, Gozde A., Ulas Malli and many others for organising such an impactful event.

Thank you to my fellow contributors and collaborators: Payton Dobbs, Daniel Rodríguez Sierra, Fabio Ardossi, Hasan Soydan, PhD(c), Levent Dinckal, Hazel Sheryll Reambillo, Aleksandra Hadzic.

Follow MKAI.org for more insights and analysis on AI and its impact on society.

Other Related Articles

Celebrating 01Founders: Empowering the UK’s Tech Talent
I recently had the pleasure of being a part of the celebrations for the three-year ...

Supporting SSAT’s AI Journey: Empowering Educators with Ethical AI Knowledge
I recently had the privilege of collaborating with The Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT) ...
What I Hope Audiences Take Away from My Talks
When I address audiences, my primary aim is to inspire cautious optimism about our future ...

Richard’s keynote at our recent EMEA Conference was both enlightening and engaging. His presentation, “AI in Action – Balancing Innovation and Integrity in Decision-Making” adeptly addressed the complex interplay of AI innovation and ethics, enhancing our understanding of these critical issues. Richard combined humour and humility to make the intricate topics of bias and the future of work approachable, while his interactive style enriched our session. We are grateful for his significant contribution to the conference and for advancing the conversation on ethical AI.

Megan Hendricks, Executive Director, MBA Career Services & Employee Alliance

Richard provided an excellent platform for our discussion, skillfully getting to the heart of the matter and allowing me to share my views effectively. His thoughtful questions, combined with a warm and engaging manner, made for a truly insightful conversation. I appreciated his genuine interest and the respectful way he facilitated our discussion.

Sir Anthony Seldon, Author, Historian and Educator

Richard Foster-Fletcher is an asset to humanity. He brings intelligence and heart to our ever-changing future. He’s a team player who cares about people and their important role on the planet as stewards for future generations. He is a great communicator and thinks outside of the box when creating solutions to difficult problems. Richard also sees the value in healthy partnerships when expanding new ideas. It’s an honor to work with Richard.

Laura Cox, Executive Producer

Richard Foster-Fletcher delivered a truly engaging and thought-provoking keynote at the AI Tomorrow Summit 2024 in Türkiye. His insights into the transformative potential of AI for Türkiye’s economy were both enlightening and impactful. Richard’s emphasis on the pivotal role of generative AI for SMEs, the importance of upskilling, and ethical considerations in AI development resonated deeply with our audience. His ability to articulate complex concepts with clarity and relevance made the session highly valuable. AIPA were thrilled to have Richard speak and look forward to future collaborations.

Ulas Malli, Board Member, AIPA

I have known Richard since the beginning years of MKAI. He is an engaging speaker and leader with the delivery of a world-class orator. If Richard is speaking somewhere, I’m listening in.

Ambassador Terry Earthwind Nichols, Ambassador | International Speaker

Richard is a great global thought leader in the field of emerging technologies. I really appreciate his passion and work to create awareness about various critical topics like AI ethics, developing and implement responsible AI, the understanding impact of emerging technologies for the future, building strong leadership and ways to address climate change challenges. I also highly recommend everyone to listen to his podcast channel “Boundless” which explores fascinating topics around emerging technologies, leadership, and change. My favorite episode is Richard’s conversation with Dr. Geoff Keeling about AI and morality (Episode 111). It is must listen. Richard is truly inspiring and I love his work.

Abhinav Raje Sr , Product Manager@NAB | Storyteller | Inspiring Ideas Podcast

It would be easy to describe Richard as an inspirational keynote speaker, an energetic and positive founder and a great podcast compere. And these would all be true. But to do so would miss something important and worth talking about. Richard is all about bringing the right people together and then inspiring them to do what they are best at. You can see it in his events, in his podcasts and in his keynote speeches. This positivity, respect and encouragement of everyone else is what makes Richard stands out. Book him. Work with him. Enjoy it.

Ryan Parke, Professional Speaker on Male Mental Health

Richard has a unique quality:360° perception. If you want to have a real conversation that goes through every aspect of a topic, Richard is the person you want! Richard takes you further than most people I know. You always end up learning more about yourself and the information you were trying to convey. Richard is boundless indeed and will take you as well as your audience to the next level!

Denis Rothman, AI Expert & Ethicist | Author & Speaker

Richard delivered an insightful and thought-provoking talk on the expansive implications of artificial intelligence on society, the future of work, and ethical considerations. His ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner prompted a dynamic and engaging discussion among attendees. Richard’s presentation not only highlighted the potential risks and rewards of AI adoption but also encouraged a deeper understanding of its impact. The session was very well-received, sparking meaningful dialogue and a multitude of questions from an engaged audience. We are appreciative of Richard’s contribution to our event and his role in advancing the conversation around AI. His expertise and passion for the subject matter were evident and greatly appreciated by all participants.

Andy Murray, Executive Director at Major Projects Association