News Briefing: Türkiye's Innovation and R&D Expansion , October 24, 2026

Leila Haddad | AA

Türkiye's state-supported innovation ecosystem thrives with over 1,300 R&D centers and significant contributions to various sectors, strengthening its national and economic frameworks.

Today’s briefing explores Türkiye’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem, supported by the state, which includes both research and design centers across various sectors. The report highlights recent growth and developments in the country’s R&D landscape.

Growth of R&D Centers Across Türkiye

Driven by state support, Türkiye’s innovation ecosystem has achieved notable growth, with the number of active research and development (R&D) centers reaching 1,365 and design centers totaling 348 by the end of September. These hubs provide employment to nearly 94,000 workers, with a highly educated workforce made up of 57,700 employees holding bachelor's degrees, over 18,500 with master's, and more than 2,100 with a doctorate or higher.

The robust network has enabled the completion of over 80,400 projects, with nearly 16,000 still underway. Innovation hubs across Türkiye have generated almost 49,000 patents; over 17,500 have been registered while some 31,300 patents await examination. This development encompasses sectors such as energy, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation, with Istanbul leading with 428 centers.

Focus on Design Centers

Türkiye's design centers are a key component of its innovation framework. Employing 8,481 workers, these centers focus heavily on industrial and structural sectors, with the textile industry hosting 54 centers, followed by engineering and architecture with 51, and general manufacturing with 45. Istanbul, Ankara, and Bursa are leading regions in these efforts, with Istanbul housing the majority at 154 centers.

Urban Leadership and Innovation Policy

Türkiye's expansion of R&D and design centers not only enhances the country's economic competitiveness but also reinforces the city infrastructure that supports these developments. This centralization in urban areas, particularly Istanbul and Ankara, indicates a strategic use of city resources to bolster the country's position in global innovation landscapes.

For municipal leaders, the integration of these hubs provides an opportunity to create a ripple effect that extends into broader urban development. Enhanced infrastructure, increased job opportunities, and improved quality of living for the residents align with national innovation goals, positioning cities at the forefront of technological advancement and economic progress.