Roundtable with Prof. Güven Sak,
Director of Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV)
and Professor of Economics
February 23, 2018

On February 23, 2018, Prof. Güven Sak, Director of Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV), and Professor of Economics, addressed GRF members at a roundtable meeting. Prof. Sak examined the trend of export-led growth models being globally challenged, and elaborated on the role of technology in Turkey’s new growth policies. Drawing attention to the fact that Turkey’s advanced technology product margin has grown more slowly compared to similar countries like China or Mexico, Prof. Sak argued that the number of Turkish companies who have sufficiently integrated themselves into Global Value Chains is comparatively low and more localized to certain areas like Istanbul. In order to continue the foreign direct investments (FDI) that Turkey requires, Prof. Sak stressed the need for a more innovative mindset, and for the necessary steps towards liberalization in the service industry to be taken. Following his speech, Prof. Sak answered the participants’ questions.