Entrepreneurial State and Planning Debate at the Istanbul Chamber of Industry

The Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ICI) Assembly's regular August meeting tackled the topic of the 'Entrepreneurial State and New Generation State Planning Organization.' Speaking at the meeting, executives emphasized that the public sector must assume a proactive role supporting the market in the face of artificial intelligence and global changes, while announcing that ICI organ elections will be held on October 26, 2026.

ICI August Regular Meeting Held

The Istanbul Chamber of Industry Assembly held its regular August meeting at the Odakule Fazıl Zobu Assembly Hall with the main agenda item 'Is Planning Necessary or Unnecessary for Our Economy and Production Life?'

Emphasis on the Entrepreneurial State by Erdal Bahçıvan

ICI Chairman of the Board Erdal Bahçıvan stated that breaking old habits in the age of informatics and artificial intelligence is of vital importance.

Bahçıvan expressed that the paradigm of the 1980s and 90s—where the state should remain on the sidelines as a purely regulatory and passive player in the economy—has been left behind.

Need for a Holistic Roadmap to Protect Industry

Erdal Bahçıvan stated that the current economic program must be reinforced with a holistic roadmap that will protect the productive capacity of the industry and reduce its vulnerabilities.

He emphasized that structural transformation cannot be achieved solely through resource transfers and that a strong institutional coordination mechanism is needed.

Ender Yılmaz: New Generation Planning is Essential

ICI Assembly President Ender Yılmaz said that Turkey needs a new generation planning model and a mindset shift in order to catch up with technological transformation in industry.

Yılmaz stated that the entrepreneurial state should not be a competitor to the market but a supporter, and should act as a partner taking risks in strategic areas.

ICI and ITO Election Dates Announced

During the meeting, it was announced that the Istanbul Chamber of Industry Assembly and Professional Committees election date will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Haliç Congress Center.

Additionally, it was shared that the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce elections will take place one day later, on October 27.