The European Union (EU) has launched initiatives like the Digital Single Market and Digitizing European Industry to support the digital transformation of SMEs. The EU has established Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), investing around 100 million Euros annually from 2016-2020. However, similar organizations do not exist in Türkiye.
Project Background
Türkiye has been developing policies to promote digitalization in sectors such as machinery and automotive, as outlined in various national policy documents. These policies emphasize the need for an integrated transformation combining human capital, business processes, and technology. The Turkish Government aims to have 10,000 SMEs receiving digital services, 14 competence centres established, and 20,000 digitalization projects developed by 2023.
METU, through its BİLTİR Research and Application Center and the METU-BİLTİR Digital Transformation Platform, conducts interdisciplinary research and provides R&D services, acting as a bridge between the university and industry. METU Teknokent DTP provides a platform for digital technology suppliers to identify needs, access customers, and offer domestic solutions.
To address the gaps in these industries, the METU Digital Transformation and Innovation Centre is being established on the Middle East Technical University (METU) campus. This centre supports the digital transformation process by providing a collaborative environment for innovation and development, ensuring that SMEs and other industrial sectors can meet their digital transformation needs effectively.