The use of artificial intelligence in businesses tripled in two years

Why is the Rapid Increase in AI Usage Important?

Artificial intelligence has begun to radically change the way businesses operate in Turkey. Between 2024 and 2026, the rate of AI usage in enterprises tripled. This increase not only reflects a technological shift but also highlights how competition in the market is evolving. Especially, it seems that larger businesses benefit more from this transformation; this situation may affect the market share of smaller enterprises and threaten their sustainability. The integration of AI into business processes offers the potential for efficiency and cost savings. For example, through automation processes, businesses can reduce their reliance on human labor, achieving faster results with fewer errors. However, the decreasing competitiveness of small businesses that cannot adopt this technology may lead to economic inequality. Therefore, this rapid increase in AI usage is not just a trend but also a crucial factor that shapes the future of businesses. Furthermore, this change has the potential to cause significant shifts in labor dynamics. While AI threatens certain professions, it also leads to the emergence of new job fields. The adoption of AI applications is transforming not only internal processes but also customer experiences for businesses. Offering more personalized services to customers is one of the key advantages provided by this technology. For example, in the e-commerce sector, AI algorithms suggest products based on users' purchasing history, which also increases sales. Such applications enhance customer satisfaction, thereby increasing the competitive power of brands. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 customer service, further enhancing customer interactions. AI is providing significant opportunities not only in commercial areas but also in many sectors such as health, education, and transportation. For instance, AI-supported systems are used for the early diagnosis of diseases in the health sector; in education, applications that personalize students' learning processes are being developed. This situation illustrates that the societal benefits of AI should also be taken into account. Moreover, the involvement of AI-supported systems in decision-making processes allows for quicker and more accurate results. Another important point is the impact of AI on environmental sustainability. AI applications in energy efficiency can contribute to more effective use of resources, particularly through big data analysis. This reduces costs and also minimizes environmental impacts. Therefore, the adoption of AI plays a critical role not only in economic growth but also in terms of environmental sustainability. For example, smart energy management systems optimize energy consumption, reducing both costs and carbon emissions.

Key Figures and Comparisons

Year	Small Enterprises (10-49 employees)	Medium Enterprises (50-249 employees)	Large Enterprises (250+ employees)
2024	%3.2	%11.5	%18.8
2025	%7.5	%15.5	%30.9
2026	%12.8	%17.0	%37.1

The table above shows the rates of AI usage in businesses of different scales in Turkey. The increase in small businesses is particularly striking. However, the high rate of AI integration in large businesses is an important factor that distinguishes them from other players in the sector. This situation indicates that small businesses need to develop various strategies to accelerate their digital transformation process. For example, to overcome the challenges of integrating AI systems, small businesses are advised to establish collaborations and partnerships. Collaborations with large enterprises can facilitate access to technology by providing resources and knowledge transfer to small businesses. Additionally, state-supported incentives can play a significant role in this process. Investments in AI and obtained incentives can accelerate the adoption of this technology by businesses. The support provided by the government in this regard can especially enhance the growth potential of small enterprises. Furthermore, participating in training programs related to AI applications can further ease this process. Research shows that businesses that integrate AI have a 30% faster growth opportunity compared to their competitors. This presents a critical advantage for small businesses to remain competitive against larger firms. Therefore, the increasing rates of AI adoption may also have a positive impact on overall economic growth.

Local Context and Historical Perspective

The applications of artificial intelligence in Turkey have gained momentum in recent years. In 2024, AI usage in large enterprises was 4.4%, reaching 14% by 2026. This increase can be seen as a reflection of Turkey's steps towards digitalization. Particularly, the increase in technology investments and the rising education levels are among the factors accelerating this transformation. According to TÜİK data, the usage of AI in small enterprises is also increasing at a remarkable pace. However, the gap between them and large enterprises is rapidly widening. The difference, which was 18.8 points in 2024, rose to 24.3 points by 2026. This indicates that technological advancements should reach not only large-scale businesses but also small enterprises. In the local context, Turkey's geographical and cultural diversity is an important factor affecting the speed of AI adoption. Various regions in Anatolia have different industries and needs, thus AI solutions should be developed considering these differences. For instance, in the agricultural sector, AI applications can be utilized to increase product efficiency, while in the health sector, they can be integrated to improve patients' treatment processes. Moreover, this diversity allows local businesses to develop innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs. Additionally, Turkey's young and dynamic population may accelerate the adoption of AI technologies. The young population, being more inclined towards digital technologies, presents a significant advantage in adopting and developing AI applications. Restructuring the education system in this direction can contribute to making the future workforce more competent in the field of AI. Especially strengthening the curricula related to AI in universities will help cultivate a qualified workforce in this domain. Local startups should focus on developing innovative projects to stand out in international competition in the field of AI. In this context, increasing R&D investments and strengthening collaborations with universities can significantly contribute to the growth of Turkey's AI ecosystem. Furthermore, the incentives provided by the government in this process can play a crucial role in supporting innovative ventures.

Sectors that May Be Affected and Individual Precautions

Sectoral differences in AI usage are becoming evident. Areas such as telecommunications, programming, and IT stand out with high rates of 63.7%. The ability of these sectors to quickly adapt to new technologies plays a critical role in gaining competitive advantage. On the other hand, the rate in the manufacturing sector is...