Digital transformation has been on the agenda for a long time, but in recent years it has become a central concept for all sectors. It is no longer just a concern for technology companies; it is now a common topic across all fields, from manufacturing to healthcare, finance to urban management. This transformation involves not only the use of digital tools but also the redesign of business processes, organizational structures, and decision-making processes. The pandemic has made it clear that digitalization is an urgent necessity. Today, digital transformation is not just a technological change for organizations; it is a strategic, cultural, and structural transformation process. In this issue, we examine the current state of digital transformation in Türkiye, the impact of emerging technologies, and notable applications.
Digital transformation has been on the agenda for a long time, but in recent years it has become a strategic concept that has taken center stage in the business world, public sector, and society. It is no longer just a priority for technology companies; digital transformation is now a top priority for virtually every sector, from manufacturing to healthcare, finance to transportation. This transformation not only involves the adoption of new technologies but also brings about fundamental changes in how businesses operate, their organizational structures, decision-making processes, and corporate cultures.
In Türkiye, digital transformation is not limited to the private sector; public institutions, municipalities, universities, and SMEs are also actively involved in this process. The reflection of this transformation in the production field is becoming increasingly evident. The widespread use of robotic machines, the implementation of data-driven smart production systems, and the emergence of dark factories that can operate without human intervention demonstrate the extent of industrial digitalization in Türkiye. These systems are increasing efficiency and significantly reducing costs and error rates, particularly in sectors such as automotive, white goods, and defense.
Where does Türkiye stand in terms of digitalization?
The Ministry of Industry and Technology’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan addresses digital transformation, increased efficiency, and sustainable production targets. At the same time, within the framework of the Türkiye Industry and Technology Strategy 2030 vision, the goal is to spread Industry 4.0 applications and strengthen infrastructure in sectors with low digital maturity levels. While official figures on the digitalization level of the industrial sector across Türkiye are limited, investments in digital infrastructure and awareness of transformation are rapidly increasing. Regional transformation centers and special incentive models are also on the agenda to enable SMEs to access digitalization more easily.
Smart production systems and robotic machines
The most tangible reflection of digital transformation in industry can be seen on production lines. In Türkiye, robotic machines and artificial intelligence-supported systems are rapidly becoming widespread, particularly in sectors such as automotive, white goods, and defense. Thanks to cobots that can work alongside humans and AI systems capable of making decisions, production is becoming both faster and higher in quality, while costs are decreasing. In some large facilities, the robot integration rate has reached up to 70%. These technologies not only increase efficiency but also support standardization and sustainability in production.
Turn off the lights, start production
Dark factories stand out as fully automated facilities that can operate 24 hours a day without human intervention. Production in these factories is managed by artificial intelligence and automation systems. In Türkiye, Maxion İnci Jant Group is one of the leading examples in this field, while global giants like Foxconn and Xiaomi are attracting attention with their dark factory applications. This model offers energy savings of up to 30%, but it also brings new-generation risks such as high investment costs and data security.
Digital threats are increasing, risks are diversifying
Digitalization also brings new areas of risk. Cyber security, in particular, has become one of the most critical issues in the transformation process. Every element connected to digital networks, from production facilities to banking systems, health data to public infrastructure, is now a potential target. In 2024, there were notable changes in the number and types of cyber-attacks in Türkiye. According to data from the WatchGuard Threat Lab, malware attacks decreased by 76.53% compared to the previous year, dropping to 235,191. Especially for the manufacturing sector, the threat is not just data loss. Network-based attacks can cause machines to shut down, production to stop, or systems to be manipulated, resulting in faulty production, which directly leads to financial and reputational losses. According to 2024 data, the number of network-based attacks in Türkiye increased by 2,340% compared to the previous year, exceeding 1 million. These attacks targeting industrial control systems have become even more complex as factories have moved away from closed-loop systems and connected to the world via IoT. According to Kaspersky’s analysis of the first half of 2024, an average of 121 cyber incidents were recorded per 10,000 industrial systems in Türkiye. Most of these incidents were carried out through malware and IoT devices. The defense, food, construction, and machinery sectors are among the areas most affected by these threats. In this context, it is critical for organizations undergoing digital transformation to adopt a holistic approach to cyber threats. The integration of industrial cybersecurity software, regular awareness training for employees, access control measures for IoT devices, and AI-powered threat detection systems are among the fundamental steps that need to be taken in this area.
Production is being redefined with digital twins
One of the greatest revolutions brought about by digital transformation in the world of manufacturing is that machines no longer just produce goods, but also generate data, communicate, and actively contribute to decision-making processes. Thanks to sensors integrated into production lines via the Internet of Things (IoT), machines provide real-time data streams, enabling processes to become smarter, more efficient, and more traceable. The advantages provided in critical areas such as fault prediction, energy management, quality control, and resource efficiency offer significant operational benefits to businesses. Digital twin technology, one of the most advanced steps in this transformation, enables the modeling, simulation, and optimization of processes through simultaneous digital copies of physical assets.
Digital twins have become a revolutionary tool in the management of post-production processes, especially for machine manufacturers. The performance of manufactured machines can be monitored in real time in the field; potential malfunctions can be predicted in advance, and maintenance processes can be managed based on data. This ensures operational continuity and enhances the customer experience. Additionally, digital twin applications offer companies the opportunity to develop new, value-driven business models that provide not just products but also continuous services. Thus, technology is transforming not only production processes but also the relationship between manufacturers and customers.
Financial support for digital transformation investments
Financial support for digital transformation investments in Türkiye continues to increase. Under the “SME Digital Transformation Support Program” run by KOSGEB, businesses are provided with investment loans of up to TL 20 million to accelerate their digitalization processes. Under the program, expenses in various areas such as software, hardware, automation, cybersecurity, and data analytics are supported, while interest on loans is covered through interest-free support. Businesses are required to undergo a digital maturity analysis as part of the application process, and loan disbursements are carried out through banks partnered with KOSGEB. The program offers payment-free periods of up to six months and repayment terms of up to 36 months. Additionally, public and private banks, along with the Credit Guarantee Fund, are contributing to the process with digitalization-focused support packages. SMEs seeking to finance technological infrastructure investments are supported through unsecured loan models, low-interest digital loan campaigns, and sustainable digital transformation programs. The digitalization process is streamlined both financially and operationally through online application systems, digital guarantee letters, and branchless transaction infrastructure.
Digital twin applications in Türkiye
Digital twin technology is being implemented in Türkiye through concrete projects in areas such as energy, manufacturing, and urban planning. Used in many areas, from refinery management to disaster scenarios, production simulations to smart city applications, this technology makes decision-making processes more efficient and predictable. Here are some notable example projects;
- TÜPRAŞ & TÜBİTAK MAM – Digital Refinery: Refinery operations were modeled using digital twins to achieve energy savings and process efficiency.
- İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality – Disaster-Focused Digital Twin: Istanbul’s disaster risks are being simulated in a digital environment. The project won first place in the European Social Cohesion Award.
- Büyükçekmece Municipality – Urban Digital Twin: City management is becoming smarter with 3D building models and environmental data tracking.
- SAMPAŞ – Smart City Applications: Digital twin-based planning, transportation, and infrastructure solutions are being developed in various municipalities.
- TAYSAD – Production Simulations: Production lines are simulated using digital twins in the automotive supply industry to increase efficiency.
- Milteksan – Digital Twin Applications: Milteksan aims to improve machine performance by offering digital twin solutions for CNC machines and production lines.
