Our Business is for Türkiye, Our Strength is from Bursa

The Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO) hosted the “Our Business is Türkiye, Our Strength is Bursa” event, highlighting Bursa’s key role in the national economy and the growing importance of entrepreneurship and innovation. BTSO Chairman İbrahim Burkay stated that both Bursa and Türkiye can achieve their economic goals through the new economy model. “Our region currently needs a Venture Capital Fund,” he said. “Such a fund will open the door to investments in startups and new ideas, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bursa will naturally flourish as a result.”

The event was part of the national “Our Business is Türkiye” program, which focuses on attracting investment from domestic and international venture capital funds, supporting digital transformation solutions, promoting technology-oriented and high value-added production, and increasing competitiveness. In his opening speech, Chairman Burkay emphasized that Bursa is one of Türkiye’s leading export-oriented cities and has played a strategic role in the country’s economic development. “With its industrial and commercial potential, Bursa continues to be a leading city that accelerates our national goals,” he said.

He also underlined the importance of adopting new economic models in the race to reach Türkiye’s development targets. “We have entered an era where cities and regions compete, rather than countries,” he said. “It’s no longer the UK vs. Germany, but London vs. Stuttgart, Sydney vs. New York. Bursa’s role models should be the San Francisco Bay Area and Baden-Württemberg. Our city, which established Türkiye’s first organized industrial zone in 1961, will continue to contribute to the country’s objectives. Because this land has the intelligence.”

Noting that the industrial zones in Bursa cover only 0.8% of the province’s total area but generate 46% of its economic output, Burkay emphasized the region’s strategic importance. He also pointed to the growing significance of startups. “Startups are essential for both our city and our country. Globally, many cities are creating their own venture capital funds. To retain a new entrepreneur, you must also retain the angel investor. Therefore, rather than focusing solely on transforming our companies, we need to transform our entrepreneurs. We must clearly communicate this new economy approach to them.”

Burkay also emphasized the need for a Venture Capital Fund in the region. “As long as investments are channeled into startups and new ideas through these new funds, this ecosystem will build itself. Otherwise, as we see globally, talent and capital flow to where funding is available. This ecosystem can only be built by redefining the new economy with new institutions.”

Kamil Kılıç, Chairman of the Venture Capital Funds Association, added that Bursa is uniquely positioned to attract startups capable of powering its digital factories, smart infrastructure, and innovation potential. “There is nothing stopping Bursa from becoming a city of innovation and startups,” he said. “No other city in Türkiye fits this definition better. The cities that turn their factories into digital facilities, their cities into smart cities, and their economies into intelligent economies will stand out in value-added exports and global competition. Those with a high number of startups, the ability to attract talent, and a supportive ecosystem will shape the global economy and the companies that lead it.”

Following the opening speeches, several thematic sessions were held, including “Digital Facilities for Efficiency,” “E-Export with PTT,” “Smart Software for Competitiveness,” and “Growth Through Venture Capital Funds.”