On November 15, 2024, the G3 Forum Entrepreneurship Summit held in Izmir brought together key stakeholders of Turkey's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The summit offered an inspiring platform for participants under the theme "The Economy of the Second Century" .
As Cyprus Entrepreneurship Station, we had the privilege of attending the event from Cyprus. During this visit, we connected with numerous valuable stakeholders, took important notes on the entrepreneurship ecosystem, and closely followed the latest developments. Here are some highlights from our experience:
Sustainability, Digital Transformation, and Artificial Intelligence
The summit featured a rich program of panels, talks, and networking sessions. Sessions such as “The Entrepreneurship Ecosystem from the Perspective of Investors and Entrepreneurs,” “The New Era of Sustainable Transformation,” and “The Future of the Digital Economy” addressed key topics. Participants had the chance to delve deep into sustainability and the digital economy while exchanging ideas. The networking segment enabled entrepreneurs and investors to engage in one-on-one discussions, fostering potential collaborations.
Turkey's leading entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders shared success stories from various industries, offering inspiration to attendees. Additionally, essential topics like sustainability, digital transformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem were thoroughly discussed. Participants left the sessions equipped with both valuable knowledge and motivation.
Entrepreneurship and Education: Securing the Future
In his opening remarks, the President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, emphasized the necessity of increasing the number of entrepreneurs to achieve economic prosperity. Highlighting the critical role of young people and women in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, Hisarcıklıoğlu pointed out that currently, only 10% of entrepreneurs are women, and this percentage needs to double. He also stressed the importance of universities as incubators for entrepreneurship, urging students to be encouraged to produce projects and ideas.
Success Stories and Inspirational Experiences
The summit also showcased inspiring journeys of renowned entrepreneurs such as Nevzat Aydın, founder of Yemeksepeti, and Erdem Yurdanur, founder of Maçkolik. Yurdanur emphasized the importance of stepping out of the herd to achieve success, while Aydın shared his experience of selling 51% of his company initially, then transferring the remaining 49% three years later, highlighting the importance of contractual work structures.
Sustainability and Social Sensitivity
Panelists Sezen Sungur Saral, Emine Erdem, Esra Yazgı Tozge, and Gülden Yılmaz underscored that sustainability is now becoming a status symbol. They also highlighted the increasing importance of social sensitivity and environmental awareness in the business world.
Artificial Intelligence and Opportunities for the Future
Mehmet Keteloğlu, Country Manager of Google Turkey, described artificial intelligence as the third major transformation after the internet. He noted that AI is driving revolutionary changes in areas ranging from drug development to agriculture, education, and e-commerce. Koray Bahar, CEO of Figo Para, announced upcoming AI-based solutions to enhance SMEs’ financial processes, including an "AI CFO" product set to launch soon.
Strengthening the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
The summit emphasized the critical roles of universities and NGOs in strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem. It also highlighted the importance of increasing the participation of young people and women in this ecosystem. In this context, projects by organizations like Habitat Association, which provide entrepreneurship training for children, gained attention.
The G3 Forum Entrepreneurship Summit successfully brought together different stakeholders of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, facilitating knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and the formation of new collaborations. Once again, it was emphasized that entrepreneurs can achieve success by stepping out of their comfort zones, creating unique value, and investing in their brands. Such events are vital for spreading the culture of entrepreneurship and fostering sustainable economic growth. We believe that similar events bringing together stakeholders in Cyprus could significantly contribute to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem there.
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