In short: Türkiye's 2026-2030 Artificial Intelligence Action Plan is a policy roadmap covering AI regulation, data, computing infrastructure, investment, public procurement, workforce development, research, financing, robotics and international cooperation.
Why it matters: Businesses using or developing AI and investors considering technology, data-centre or industrial projects in Türkiye should track the Plan's implementation, while distinguishing proposed measures from current binding legal obligations.
Key Targets Under Türkiye's AI Action Plan
The Action Plan is organised around four pillars: Recognise, Utilise, Produce and Govern. It contains 16 priority actions intended to develop Türkiye's artificial intelligence ecosystem from basic skills and data infrastructure through to commercial AI development, investment attraction and regional cooperation.
The headline targets include:
- training 10,000 advanced AI specialists and 100,000 AI application professionals;
- developing an AI skills assessment system integrated with e-Government;
- reaching 1 GW of installed data-centre capacity;
- mobilising at least USD 10 billion in private-sector investment;
- expanding access to GPU and high-performance computing resources;
- establishing a National Data Library and secure sectoral data spaces;
- developing sector-specific foundation models and domestic capabilities in physical AI and robotics;
- establishing dedicated AI research and growth financing mechanisms;
- using public procurement to accelerate AI adoption;
- creating a proportionate, risk-based AI regulatory framework;
- creating regulatory experimentation environments in at least five priority sectors; and
- positioning Türkiye as a regional AI investment, infrastructure and technology centre.
The Government expects public and private investment mobilised through the Plan to generate more than TRY 1 trillion in economic value.
How Is the Turkey AI Action Plan Structured?
The Plan follows four connected policy stages:
Recognise
Build AI awareness, skills, data infrastructure and legal rules.
Utilise
Establish computing infrastructure and expand practical AI adoption across businesses and public institutions.
Produce
Develop AI businesses, financing mechanisms, sectoral models, robotics and domestic technology capabilities.
Govern
Attract investment, establish AI security and regulatory mechanisms, participate in international standard-setting and strengthen Türkiye's regional position.
The Plan also treats AI as a layered ecosystem comprising energy, computing hardware, infrastructure, models and data, and applications. These layers are supported by three cross-cutting components: talent, financing, and regulation and trust. This is commercially significant because investment, infrastructure, data, funding, adoption and compliance are intended to develop together.
Pillar 1: Recognise
1. National AI Literacy and Safe Use Programme
Türkiye intends to introduce a nationwide AI literacy programme aimed at increasing the safe, informed and productive use of artificial intelligence. An AI assessment system integrated with e-Government is planned to allow individuals to determine their AI literacy level and access appropriate training.
The programme is expected to cover basic AI concepts, safe use of generative AI, personal data protection, misinformation, deepfake awareness and ethical use of AI. Its targets include at least 1.5 million participants within the first 12 months, 5 million participants within 24 months, workshops in all 81 provinces and at least 1,000 trained instructors within the first six months.
For employers, AI literacy should be understood as a workforce and organisational issue, not only an IT issue. Training may become relevant to employees who use AI in legal, financial, HR, marketing, operational and customer-facing functions.
2. AI Talent and Workforce Development
The Action Plan proposes a national talent framework covering university students, engineers, researchers, employees and international specialists. The headline targets are 10,000 advanced AI specialists and 100,000 AI application professionals.
The application-professional category is particularly relevant to businesses because it focuses on applying and managing AI in sectors such as engineering, healthcare, law, finance, agriculture and public administration. The Plan also proposes university courses, micro-qualifications, employee retraining, occupational transition programmes, postgraduate scholarships and programmes to attract international AI talent. At least 50 universities are expected to introduce basic AI courses by the end of 2027.
3. National Data Ecosystem and Secure Data Sharing
Access to usable data is identified as a principal constraint on AI development. The Plan proposes a two-tier data architecture:
- Open and public data: public-interest datasets made available through a National Data Library in machine-readable, licensed and anonymised formats.
- Sensitive data: data in healthcare, defence, finance and public security made available through controlled and secure data environments.
The wider framework contemplates standard data-sharing agreements, data licensing models, anonymisation standards, secure data rooms, privacy-preserving technologies, synthetic data, data classification, API access and designated data product owners in public institutions.
Targets include at least three pilot data spaces, 25 shared datasets, 2,000 public datasets published through the National Data Library, 80% of those datasets updated according to schedule, and 100 high-value data products becoming regularly accessible by API. Possible incentives for data providers include tax or R&D benefits, GPU or data credits and a “Trusted Data Provider” status.
For businesses, this may create new data access opportunities as well as additional expectations regarding data quality, licensing, anonymisation and lawful sharing.
4. AI Regulation and the Proposed Risk-Based Framework
One of the most important elements for businesses is the proposed AI legal and ethical framework. Türkiye intends to establish a framework that takes account of the European Union's proportionate risk approach, with requirements calibrated to the level of AI risk.
Lower-risk AI
Simplified control requirements are contemplated for lower-risk systems.
Medium-risk AI
A short-form Algorithmic Impact Assessment is proposed.
High-impact AI
The Plan contemplates an extended Algorithmic Impact Assessment, a publicly available summary Model Card and a detailed technical file submitted to the relevant regulatory authorities.
High-impact applications are expected to include AI systems used in healthcare, education, employment, social assistance, credit assessment, biometric identification, law enforcement, justice and applications directly affecting children or vulnerable groups. Businesses developing or deploying AI in these areas should expect higher documentation, governance and technical assessment requirements than companies using low-risk AI tools for ordinary internal productivity purposes.
National AI Ethics Board
A National AI Ethics Board is planned to provide guidance on fairness and bias, explainability, data provenance, security and resilience, human oversight, and AI affecting children and vulnerable groups. Its role is expected to focus on guidance, ethical assessment and referral, while binding supervision and sanctioning powers remain with relevant sectoral regulators.
AI, KVKK and Cross-Border Data Transfers
The Action Plan expressly addresses the relationship between artificial intelligence and data protection. It provides for strengthening KVKK-GDPR compliance in AI-specific processing scenarios, particularly in relation to explainability in automated decision-making, personal data used for AI model training and cross-border transfers.
It also states that cross-border data and cloud policies should balance national security, personal data protection, trade secrets, service continuity and international obligations. This is particularly relevant to businesses using international cloud infrastructure, centrally operated AI systems, AI-based HR tools, customer profiling, generative AI platforms, automated decision-making or models trained on personal data.
AI governance and data protection compliance should therefore increasingly be treated as connected compliance areas. Businesses should assess the source, purpose, legal basis, retention, transfer route and contractual controls for data used by AI systems.
Pillar 2: Utilise
5. National AI Computing Infrastructure
Türkiye plans to establish a National AI Computing Strategy and long-term investment programme addressing GPU capacity, high-speed storage, network bandwidth, electricity requirements, low-carbon electricity, computing hardware, training workloads and inference workloads.
The Plan targets at least USD 10 billion in predominantly private-sector investment and approximately 1 GW of installed data-centre capacity. The proposed Computing Portfolio will combine public reserve computing capacity, domestic data centres, international cloud cooperation and high-performance computing infrastructure.
This creates opportunities not only for technology providers but also for investors in data centres, energy, digital infrastructure, cloud services and related industrial projects.
6. GPU for Everyone
The proposed GPU for Everyone Programme is intended to expand access to computing capacity for start-ups, SMEs, researchers, universities and public projects through accredited infrastructure providers and GPU credits.
Provider accreditation is expected to address energy efficiency, data security, service continuity and protection of users' intellectual property rights relating to models, data and code. The Plan also contemplates model-hosting and inference services in addition to basic GPU capacity. For AI companies, computing capacity itself is intended to become part of Türkiye's AI support infrastructure.
7. AI Transformation in Public Administration
The public sector is intended to become a significant purchaser and early adopter of AI. The Action Plan applies a “scan, pilot, scale” model: identify use cases, launch pilots, measure performance and scale successful systems.
The Plan targets at least 2% of total public investment programme budgets for AI projects. Successful AI solutions supplied by technology companies may also receive public-sector references and be used in export-oriented commercial materials, subject to applicable institutional processes.
Businesses supplying AI systems should monitor pilot calls, procurement programmes, technical specifications, security requirements, public-sector AI criteria and sector-specific programmes.
8. Sectoral AI Programmes and SME Adoption
The Plan proposes AI pilot programmes in priority sectors including healthcare, energy and manufacturing. SMEs are expected to receive support for adopting AI through programmes combining computing access, data, technical assistance and pilot support.
Potential beneficiaries include AI developers, enterprise software companies, automation providers, industrial technology companies, system integrators and SMEs seeking to digitalise existing processes.
Pillar 3: Produce
9. AI Growth Zones
Türkiye intends to establish AI Growth Zones offering infrastructure suitable for AI businesses and investors. The targets include a first designation within 12 months, at least one operational zone by the end of 2027, five designated zones by the end of 2028, at least three operational zones, three Regional Centres of Excellence and six access points.
The intention is to create investment-ready environments combining computing infrastructure, energy access, research capacity and business support. These zones may become relevant to AI companies, start-ups, industrial technology businesses, investors and businesses considering R&D or technology operations in Türkiye.
10. AI Financing Ladder
The Action Plan proposes an integrated financing structure from early-stage research through commercial scale-up.
National AI Research Fund
At least TRY 10 billion is targeted for fundamental and applied research. Supported projects may also receive HPC/GPU credits and priority access to the National Data Library. Eligible costs are expected to include personnel, cloud and computing, data acquisition, anonymisation, labelling, evaluation and model operation.
AI Growth Fund
A separate TRY 15 billion AI Growth Fund is planned for companies moving toward Series A/B and scale-up financing. It is expected to operate through public-private co-investment, investment into domestic and international venture capital funds, and debt and guarantee mechanisms.
The stated targets include supporting at least 20 AI companies in Series A/B or scale-up financing and mobilising at least two units of private capital for each unit of public funding. For investors, public capital is intended to attract additional private investment rather than replace it.
11. Sectoral Foundation Models and AI Export
Türkiye also aims to develop sector-specific foundation models using fields in which it has relevant data and industrial capabilities, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, genomics, disaster management, energy, agriculture, advanced materials, robotics and physical AI.
The Plan envisages export-ready packages containing information on model performance, security, legal compliance and environmental characteristics. The objective is therefore not limited to domestic use: Türkiye intends to support commercialisation and international deployment of models developed within its ecosystem.
12. Physical AI and Robotics
Physical AI is another major area of the Action Plan. Türkiye intends to build on capabilities in defence, automotive manufacturing, machinery and industrial engineering. Priority areas include industrial robotics, quality control, predictive maintenance, agricultural robotics, healthcare support robots, disaster and search-and-rescue systems, autonomous vehicles, humanoid robotics, edge AI, and autonomous defence and security systems.
The Plan contemplates transferring experience from defence and autonomous technologies into civilian industry while addressing dual-use risks, export controls, data security and human oversight. Manufacturers and industrial investors should therefore view Türkiye's AI strategy as covering advanced manufacturing and automation as well as software and digital services.
Pillar 4: Govern
13. AI and Data-Centre Investment
Attracting AI infrastructure investment forms a separate action under the Plan. Türkiye intends to establish investment packages encouraging major cloud and infrastructure providers to develop cloud regions, edge regions, data-centre capacity, strategic partnerships and regional operations.
The contemplated framework includes energy connections, low-carbon electricity arrangements, fibre backbone access, accelerated permitting, financial incentives and access to qualified talent. A single-window investor interface is also planned, with preliminary eligibility assessment and an investment roadmap expected to be completed within a maximum of 30 business days.
Investor guidance is expected to address data protection, cross-border transfers, cybersecurity, incentive conditions, electricity purchasing, environmental permits, intellectual property protection and dispute resolution.
14. International AI Cooperation
Türkiye intends to participate more actively in AI standard-setting and international policy development through platforms including the OECD, G20, United Nations, Organization of Turkic States and regional cooperation structures.
For businesses, increasing international alignment may affect future technical, governance and compliance expectations for AI products placed on the Turkish market.
15. Regional AI Capacity
The Plan proposes regional cooperation covering shared computing infrastructure, data centres, model development, AI education, data governance, agriculture, energy applications and language technologies, including possible common models for Turkic languages.
Regional programmes are expected to consider data sovereignty, reciprocity, KVKK and relevant foreign data protection legislation, trade secrets, intellectual property and national security. This may create opportunities for companies and investors using Türkiye as a base for AI projects serving surrounding markets.
16. AI Safety and Regulatory Sandboxes
The final action concerns AI safety, technical assessment and regulatory experimentation environments. The Plan proposes trusted AI assessments, security testing, regulatory sandboxes, sector-specific experimentation, supporting legislation and controlled testing before wider deployment.
The national target includes regulatory experimentation environments in at least five priority sectors. For companies developing AI products in regulated sectors, regulatory sandboxes may become an important route for testing products before full commercial deployment.
AI Governance in Türkiye
The proposed governance model is centred on a National Artificial Intelligence Board, intended to act as the highest-level body for strategy, prioritisation, resource allocation, institutional coordination and AI risk and ethics policy.
The Ministry of Industry and Technology's Directorate General for National Technology and Artificial Intelligence is expected to perform secretariat functions, while a Programme Office will monitor implementation and measure performance. The wider architecture includes the National AI Ethics Board and technical security assessment coordinated by the Cyber Security Presidency in cooperation with the TÜBİTAK Artificial Intelligence Institute.
The Plan states that high-impact systems should undergo technical security and performance assessments before operation and following significant version updates.
National AI Progress and Transparency Portal
Implementation is expected to be monitored through a proposed National AI Progress and Transparency Portal. For each action, the portal is expected to publish the responsible institution, individual tasks, timetable, budget and actual expenditure, targets and performance indicators, and a green, yellow or red implementation status. Personal data and trade secrets will be excluded from public disclosure.
For investors and businesses, the portal could become an important source for tracking whether specific funds, infrastructure programmes, regulatory measures and public-sector initiatives are progressing.
Implementation Timeline
2026-2027: Building the foundations
The first phase is expected to prioritise governance structures, pilot data spaces, initial public-sector AI projects, computing capacity investments, data-sharing mechanisms, GPU access, AI literacy and talent programmes, and trusted AI and regulatory frameworks.
2028-2030: Scaling and commercialisation
The later phase is expected to focus on scaling successful pilots, commercialising sectoral foundation models, expanding AI Growth Zones, achieving investment targets, deepening international cooperation, developing exportable AI products and building regional AI capacity. Successful actions may be scaled earlier rather than waiting for the formal second phase.
What Should Businesses Do?
Businesses do not need to wait until every proposed regulatory measure has been enacted before assessing their position. Companies using or developing material AI systems should consider the following steps:
- Identify existing AI use. Prepare an internal inventory across HR, marketing, customer service, finance, credit assessment, compliance, operations, production, security and decision-making.
- Identify higher-risk applications. Give closer attention to systems affecting employment, healthcare, education, access to services, credit, biometrics or vulnerable individuals.
- Review data governance. Record which datasets are used, where data originates, whether personal data is involved, whether training use is lawful, whether information is transferred abroad and which contractual rights exist.
- Review AI contracts. Address data use, model-training rights, confidentiality, intellectual property, cybersecurity, service continuity, audit rights, regulatory cooperation and liability.
- Build AI documentation. For material systems, maintain system descriptions, data provenance records, testing records, risk assessments, human-oversight procedures, model documentation and internal approval records.
What Should Investors Monitor?
- AI funds: The proposed TRY 10 billion Research Fund and TRY 15 billion Growth Fund may create co-investment and venture-capital opportunities.
- AI Growth Zones: Investment-ready clusters may affect decisions concerning R&D centres, technology operations and infrastructure.
- Data centres and cloud infrastructure: The 1 GW target and USD 10 billion private-investment objective indicate a substantial policy focus on digital infrastructure.
- Public procurement: Public-sector pilots may help identify technology companies with commercially validated products.
- Robotics and industrial AI: Türkiye's manufacturing capabilities may create opportunities in industrial automation, physical AI and robotics.
- Regulatory development: AI-specific regulation may affect product risk, compliance cost and market-entry planning, especially in regulated sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Turkey Artificial Intelligence Action Plan 2026-2030?
It is Türkiye's national policy roadmap for developing AI capacity between 2026 and 2030. It contains 16 actions organised under four pillars covering skills, data, computing, adoption, funding, models, robotics, regulation, investment and international cooperation.
Is Türkiye introducing AI regulation?
The Action Plan proposes an AI legal and ethical framework based on a proportionate risk approach. It contemplates different requirements depending on risk, including Algorithmic Impact Assessments, Model Cards and technical documentation for higher-impact systems.
Does the Action Plan affect companies that only use AI rather than develop it?
Potentially, yes. The Plan addresses both AI developers and users. Businesses deploying AI in areas involving personal data, automated decisions or high-impact activities may be affected by future governance and documentation requirements.
Which businesses may face higher AI compliance requirements?
The Plan identifies AI used in healthcare, education, employment, social assistance, credit assessment, biometric identification, law enforcement, justice and applications affecting children or vulnerable groups as high-impact areas.
How does the Plan address KVKK?
The Plan specifically refers to AI-related personal data issues including automated decision-making, explainability, model training and cross-border data transfers.
Is Türkiye supporting AI investment?
Yes. The Plan includes AI Growth Zones, research and growth funds, GPU programmes, investment incentives, data-centre investment and a single-window investor interface.
What is Türkiye's data-centre target?
Türkiye aims to reach approximately 1 GW of installed data-centre capacity and mobilise at least USD 10 billion in private-sector investment for AI and computing infrastructure.
What is the GPU for Everyone Programme?
It is a proposed programme providing start-ups, SMEs, researchers and public projects with access to computing infrastructure through GPU credits and accredited service providers.
How much AI funding is planned?
The Plan targets at least TRY 10 billion for the National AI Research Fund and TRY 15 billion for the AI Growth Fund.
Does the Plan include public procurement opportunities?
Yes. Public institutions are expected to identify AI use cases, conduct pilots and scale successful projects. The Plan targets at least 2% of public investment programme budgets for AI projects.
Is Türkiye planning regulatory sandboxes for AI?
Yes. The Plan targets regulatory experimentation environments in at least five priority sectors.
Does Türkiye plan to develop domestic AI models?
Yes. The Action Plan provides for sector-specific foundation models and export-ready AI packages intended for commercial use in Türkiye and international markets.
Legal Status of the Action Plan
Important: The Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Action Plan 2026-2030 is a policy and implementation roadmap. It should not, by itself, be treated as a standalone source of directly enforceable obligations on private businesses.
Its legal significance lies in the direction it provides for future legislation, secondary regulations, technical standards, public procurement criteria, investment incentives, administrative practices and sector-specific AI requirements. Existing Turkish legislation continues to apply independently. Businesses should distinguish current legal obligations from future measures proposed under the Action Plan that will require separate implementation.
At the same time, the Plan gives a clear indication of Türkiye's intended regulatory and commercial direction. Businesses using high-impact AI and investors considering AI-related projects in Türkiye should follow the implementation of the 16 actions closely.
Source basis: This guide is based on the Türkiye Artificial Intelligence Action Plan announced by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Industry and Technology, Directorate General for National Technology and Artificial Intelligence, together with the official institutions identified below.
This guide is intended for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Specific requirements should be assessed according to the relevant business model, sector, AI system and investment structure.
