section_path: Economy/Science and technology
section_name: Science and technology
paragraph_text: Science and technology
  
  Turkey's spending on research and development as a share of GDP has risen from 0.47% in 2000 to 1.40% in 2023, although it is still around half of the average for the OECD. Turkey ranks 16th in the world in terms of article output in scientific and technical journals, and 35th in Nature Index. Turkish patent office ranks 21st worldwide in overall patent applications, and 3rd in industrial design applications. Vast majority of applicants to the Turkish patent office are Turkish residents. In all patent offices globally, Turkish residents rank 21st for overall patent applications. In 2024, Turkey ranked 37th in the world and 3rd among its upper-middle income group in the Global Innovation Index. Istanbul and Ankara rank among the top 100 science and technology clusters in the world. TÜBİTAK is one of the main agencies for funding and carrying out research.
  
  Although Turkey needs more national innovation, it is improving in areas such as high technology and defense. To boost the output of high- value-added products, Turkey launched its National Technology Initiative in 2019. In line with its research priorities, Turkey developed roadmaps in various areas such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, internet of things, nanoelectronics, robotics, and quantum technology. Some of the main science and technology programs include the National Research Program, Industry and Technology Strategy, Climate Change Strategy, National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and National Space Program. In 2024 and 2025, Turkey's first electron accelerator, quantum computer, and communication satellite manufactured domestically became operational.