Minister Kacır attended the ceremony held at the institution on the occasion of TÜBİTAK’s 60th anniversary.
In his speech here, Kacır said that the institution leads the science and technology ecosystem with its innovative and entrepreneurial approach.
Emphasizing that TÜBİTAK has taken the first steps in the infrastructure of science, technology and R&D ecosystem by strengthening the research capabilities of the country, Kacır stated that the institution is the flag bearer of the “National Technology Move”.
Kacır stated that the successful realization of the “National Technology Move” would be possible with a strong, technology-leading and competent industry, to be a developing country rather than consuming technology. For this reason, Kacır stated that they have increased their R&D and innovation capabilities with TÜBİTAK industry support programs, and that they have enabled the private sector to embrace R&D culture and develop technology and innovation-oriented projects.
Kacır drew attention to the importance of the industry in R&D and said:
“We increased the number of supported projects from 386 in 2002 to 3 thousand 669 in 2022, and the amount of support from 712 million liras to 1.7 billion liras in today’s figures. Since 2002, we have provided more than 57 billion liras to 24 thousand 202 projects in total. Since 2012, we have supported 2 thousand 140 entrepreneurs with 1.23 billion liras. exceeded the lira.”
Kacır stated that the number of projects, which were 781 projects in 2002, was increased more than 5 times and reached 4 thousand 129 in 2022, within the scope of support programs for the academy and the public.
TÜBİTAK offers solutions in health and efficient production methods
Stating that the researches supported by TÜBİTAK will continue to offer solutions for a more sustainable world, better health services, more efficient production methods and a more equitable society, Kacır said, “With different support and financing mechanisms, in the coming period, we will strengthen our country’s key place in the world in key scientific technologies by strengthening its key position in R&D and innovation, artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing, cyber security, biotechnological drugs, motor technologies, advanced materials and semiconductors, and advanced photonic and quantum technologies.” said.
Minister Kacır noted that they will make the country the pioneer of green transformation with their R&D and innovation studies in the fields of environment and biodiversity, circular economy, clean, accessible and safe energy supply, green and sustainable agriculture, and sustainable smart transportation for climate change and the European Green Consensus.
Emphasizing that they attribute a special value to TÜBİTAK, Kacır made the following assessment:
“In the Turkey of the future, TÜBİTAK will continue to maintain its leading role in the future as it does today. Together with TÜBİTAK, which works for a fully independent and prosperous Turkey, we will deepen its expertise in critical research areas of Turkey in line with the vision of the National Technology Move in the coming period. We will continue to support the commercialization of research results and the transformation of our entrepreneurs’ ideas into products on the way to global leadership. We will continue to support our country’s R&D and innovation ecosystems with the active participation of all high technology and innovation ecosystems. We will continue to bring science and technology together with all segments of society through workshops, TEKNOFESTs we organize, and publications. We are determined to make the ‘Turkish Century’ the century of science, digitalization, production and development. In the ‘Century of Turkey’, I hope we will reach all our goals and raise our country above the level of contemporary civilizations.”
Reminding that the first national communication satellite Türksat 6A was also developed by TÜBİTAK UZAY, Kacır said, “The tests took a little longer, but we got the word. Hopefully, we will successfully send Türksat 6A into space in March 2024, just like İMECE.” used the phrase.
“TUBITAK is the most important institution that comes to mind in the technology and innovation ecosystem”
TUBITAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal said that TÜBİTAK has been one of the most important institutions that come to mind in the creation of a science, technology and innovation ecosystem for 60 years in the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey.
Emphasizing that they know very well the responsibilities of Turkey as a developed country in the world, Mandal said that he also carried out his doctorate and research projects with the support of TÜBİTAK. Mandal said, “Thousands, tens of thousands of researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs like me have been in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem in our country over the past 60 years through TUBITAK.” said.
Mandal stated that human resources are needed in innovative knowledge production and technology development to solve the difficulties encountered and more complex problems.
After the speeches, experienced TÜBİTAK employees and retirees who have completed their 25 years at TÜBİTAK were given plaques.
