# Turkish business focus on AI and geopolitical shifts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-business-focus-on-ai-and-geopolitical-shifts > Updated: 2026-09-29T11:00:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. Turkish business leaders and associations are increasingly emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence and geopolitical awareness for national economic stability. Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, has advocated for the development of domestic AI technologies to achieve technological independence. He warned that relying on foreign models could result in global embargoes and proposed the concept of ‘AI Vatan’ (AI Homeland) to secure critical infrastructure, including chips, data centers, and robotics. He expressed support for the Turkey Artificial Intelligence Action Plan (2026-2030). Recent initiatives from regional associations further highlight this focus on digital and AI transformation. In Antalya, the Antalya Young Businessmen Association (ANTGİAD) has centered its 2026-2027 season on geopolitical shifts and their economic impacts, while also proposing an ‘Investor Victimization Fund’ to protect capital markets. In the Aegean region, the Aegean Young Businessmen Association (EGİAD) has held seminars emphasizing that true competition involves ‘creating value from data rather than simply possessing AI tools.’ To bolster awareness among exporters, the Gaziantep Exporters' Association (GAİB) designated September as ‘Artificial Intelligence Month,’ aiming to help exporters leverage new technologies to remain competitive in global trade. Data continues to show a disparity in technology adoption: while overall AI usage in Turkish enterprises reached 7.5% in 2025, large-scale enterprises with over 250 employees maintain a significantly higher adoption rate of 24.1%. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: Turkish business associations urge digital and AI transformation Turkish business associations, including ANTGİAD, EGİAD, and GAİB, are prioritizing digital transformation and artificial intelligence to bolster economic competitiveness and navigate geopolitical risks. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-business-associations-focus-on-geopolitics-and-ai-transformation ### 2026-09-21: Şekib Avdagiç calls for Turkish AI independence to avoid global embargoes Istanbul Chamber of Commerce President Şekib Avdagiç urges Turkey to develop domestic AI, chips, and robotics to prevent future global technological embargoes and ensure digital sovereignty. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ekib-avdagi-calls-for-turkish-ai-independence-to-avoid-global-embargoes --- Cite as: Turkish business focus on AI and geopolitical shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-business-focus-on-ai-and-geopolitical-shifts