20.4 Government Initiatives and Strategies
Turkey was working on developing a national bio economy strategy that aimed to promote the sustainable utilization of biological resources. This strategy was expected to outline the government’s goals and initiatives in various bio economy sectors. The government has initiated programs to modernize and transform the agricultural sector. This includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices and innovations to increase the productivity of the sector. The government has been investing in research and development in bio economy-related fields, including biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, to encourage innovation and technological advancement. The Turkish government has shown interest in the biotechnology sector by promoting research and development in this area, with a focus on applications in agriculture, health, and industry (Kalmykia, 2023).
The Bio economy-Biotech Vision of Turkey
The “Bio economy-Biotech Vision of Turkey” refers to a strategic vision and plan for the development and growth of the bio economy and biotechnology sectors in Turkey. This vision outlines the country’s aspirations, goals, and strategies for leveraging biological resources, technology, and innovation to drive economic development, create jobs, and address various societal and environmental challenges
The bio economy refers to an economic model where biological resources, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and biotechnology, are harnessed sustainably and efficiently to produce goods, energy, and services. This vision places a significant focus on developing and expanding the bio economy sector in Turkey. Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms or their systems to develop or create new products and processes. Biotech is integral to the bio economy, particularly in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and industry.The vision recognizes the demographic projections for Turkey, with its population expected to reach 100 million people by 2050. To feed and provide for such a large population, the vision emphasizes the need for proactive planning in food production, agriculture, and resource management. The vision underscores the importance of bio economy and biotechnology in ensuring both environmental sustainability and economic growth. By using biological resources efficiently, these sectors can reduce waste, lower environmental impact, and support economic development. The vision demonstrates the government’s commitment to the development of the bio economy and biotechnology. This commitment may be reflected in policies, initiatives, and budget allocations designed to promote research, innovation, and industry growth in these areas. The vision acknowledges Turkey’s position in the global landscape of biotechnology and bio economy. It highlights Turkey’s ranking and its role among other countries and economies, emphasizing its ambition to be a significant player in these fields. The vision emphasize importance of biotechnological methods in agriculture for increasing production. It notes that biotechnological methods include plant tissue culture techniques, molecular breeding, and genetic transformation. This can lead to improved crop yields and more sustainable agriculture (Kalmykia et al., 2017).