Analysis of the Artificial Intelligence Startup Ecosystem in Turkey and Assessment of Its Geopolitical Implications for Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 پژوهشگر ،گروه کشمکش و همکاری در خاورمیانه،مرکز پژوهش های علمی و مطالعات استراتژیک خاورمیانه،تهران ،ایران

2 PhD in International Relations, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

In recent years, the artificial intelligence startup ecosystem in Turkey has become one of the main drivers of the country's technological development and innovation. This dynamic growth has emerged within the context of evolving national science and technology policies, increased domestic and foreign investments, and a growing demand for smart solutions in the fields of security, healthcare, transportation, and defense industries. The main research question is: How does the artificial intelligence startup ecosystem in Turkey affect the country's geopolitical standing, and what implications does it have for Iran? Accordingly, the research hypothesis states that the growth of this ecosystem, while enhancing Turkey's economic and geo-economic capacities and reducing its technological dependence on Western powers, provides new tools for increasing the country's geopolitical influence, which could impact Iran's technological and security calculations at the regional level. The research method is qualitative with a descriptive-analytical approach, and alongside content analysis of scholarly sources and official documents, quantitative data including investment statistics, startup growth rates, and innovation indices have been utilized. The findings indicate that targeted investments in defense, cybersecurity, and big data analytics have placed Turkey on a path toward enhancing its geopolitical position. However, challenges such as dependence on foreign capital, shortage of specialized human resources, deficiencies in data infrastructure, and legal gaps in data ownership persist. The country's success depends on striking a balance among three fundamental pillars: strengthening technological independence through the development of domestic infrastructure, targeted attraction of foreign investment, and the formulation of effective legal frameworks. This trend, given Iran's geopolitical position and regional technological competitions, could directly impact the opportunities and threats facing Iran in the areas of technology diplomacy and data security.

Keywords

References

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Mesopotamian Political Studies
Volume 4, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 141-169

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 21 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 August 2025

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