Preparing for the Challenges of the Digital Age
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, societies must anticipate and adapt to emerging challenges. Prof. Dr. Talha Köse, President of the National Intelligence Academy, emphasized the importance of readiness during his opening remarks at the “AI, Society, and Security Workshop” held in Ankara.
The event brought together experts from diverse disciplines to discuss critical topics, including artificial intelligence and its societal impact. Prof. Dr. Köse highlighted the academy’s efforts to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, bringing social scientists, engineers, philosophers, and sociologists together. “Academic events often focus on specific expertise areas, but for strategic topics like AI, we need comprehensive and inclusive dialogue platforms,” he stated. The workshop, he added, is designed to encourage high-quality exchanges of ideas and enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.
National Intelligence Academy’s Progress in Its First Year
Founded on February 9, 2023, and officially launched on January 10, 2024, under the leadership of National Intelligence Organization Director İbrahim Kalın, the National Intelligence Academy has made significant strides in its first year. Prof. Dr. Köse noted the institution’s achievements in education and research, especially on topics crucial to Turkey’s and the world’s agendas.
The academy prioritizes intelligence, security, and regional studies, adopting a scientific approach to these fields. It also tracks global trends closely and has published numerous strategic analyses and reports, which are shared with policymakers and the public. Prof. Dr. Köse emphasized that the academy aims to produce knowledge that meets both academic standards and the needs of decision-makers, ensuring that Turkey’s strategic priorities are well-represented.
The Need for Strategic Vision in a Changing World
Addressing the broader implications of AI-driven transformation, Prof. Dr. Köse underlined the necessity of proactive and strategic planning. “We are witnessing a major transformation driven by AI, and Turkey possesses the capacity and expertise to navigate it,” he said. He stressed that the country’s robust security and intelligence capabilities should be supported by academic and strategic frameworks to solidify its global standing.
“Countries and communities that fail to prepare for these changes will face risks and may be left behind,” Prof. Dr. Köse warned. He urged accelerated efforts to position Turkey as a key player during this transitional period.
AI and Society: Ethical and Practical Implications
The workshop also explored pressing issues such as AI ethics, data privacy, and the human-centered use of technology. Prof. Dr. Köse pointed to the need for sustainable and equitable AI development, as well as its implications for production systems and labor markets. He noted that these transformations demand a redesign of employment policies and a focus on algorithmic impartiality and transparency.
The discussions aimed to provide actionable insights for integrating AI into societal frameworks while addressing potential risks. “Workshops like this one not only contribute to our country’s strategic vision but also help develop solutions for AI’s effective and fair integration into society,” Prof. Dr. Köse remarked.
Building a Strategic Vision for the Future
The event featured presentations by key figures, including Sadullah Uzun, Director General of National Technology at the Ministry of Industry and Technology; Prof. Dr. Şeref Sağıroğlu from Gazi University’s Engineering Faculty; and Mehmet Haklıdır, Director of TÜBİTAK’s AI Institute.
In closing, Prof. Dr. Köse reiterated the academy’s mission to train experts in AI and produce data-driven strategic analyses. He emphasized the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, ensuring Turkey remains a leading actor in shaping the future.
