The economic opportunity of generative AI in Türkiye

An Implement Consulting Group study commissioned by Google has estimated generative AI’s GDP contribution and implications on jobs in Türkiye. Capturing the full potential of generative AI, however, depends on a number of drivers of AI adoption – from a robust operating environment to the availability of skilled AI practitioners.

Key findings of the study

• Economic Opportunity: Generative AI could boost Türkiye’s annual GDP by TRY 1,200-1,400 (USD 50-60) billion, amounting to +5% GDP in ten years if widespread adoption is achieved.
  
  The gains come from three sources, including productivity increases from people working with generative AI, freed-up time from generative AI’s automation potential and the re-employment of time to other value-creating activities.
• Job implications: In Türkiye, 55% of jobs are expected to work together with generative AI, 41% of jobs are likely to remain unaffected by generative AI, and only 4% of jobs are deemed highly exposed to generative AI, leading to some job closures. However, new jobs in the AI-powered economy are expected to replace those lost to automation, resulting in unchanged employment levels.
• Key sectors benefitting: Around 70% of generative AI’s economic potential lies in trade, transport and tourism as well as manufacturing, construction, energy and water. The largest relative boost is within knowledge-intensive business services.
• AI readiness: Türkiye has a strong operating environment for widespread AI use, but falls behind on strategy, infrastructure and key innovation drivers. To capture the full economic gains of AI, Türkiye needs to build AI-related skills and an AI-empowered workforce, invest in R&D activities and commercialisation.
• The way forward to capture the benefits of AI: Türkiye can build on its existing and comprehensive national AI strategy, while further leveraging national initiatives to foster collaboration and add scale in AI innovation activities.