Erdogan Says AI Revolution Is Reshaping Global Labor Market

(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and robotics is creating a transformation in the workforce comparable to the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing the need for governments and societies to adapt effectively.

Speaking at the OECD 6th Skills Summit in Istanbul, Erdogan described the global economy as entering a new era in which technological change is rapidly altering production methods and employment patterns. He noted that while some professions are disappearing, entirely new sectors and job categories are emerging, making human capital increasingly important for national competitiveness.

Addressing the rise of automation and AI technologies, Erdogan highlighted both the opportunities and the challenges linked to the shift. He pointed to the fast-growing robotics industry, stating that “The global robotics market, currently around $100 billion, is projected to reach $25 trillion by 2050. In some countries, fully automated production facilities known as ‘dark factories’ are rapidly becoming widespread.”

He further stressed the scale of the transition, saying, “Even looking at the reality of so-called ‘dark factories’ alone is enough to show that we are facing a transformation wave in labor similar to the Industrial Revolution."

Erdogan also drew attention to social and economic inequalities, arguing that many groups — including women, migrants, and disadvantaged students — still face barriers preventing them from fully participating in the economy. He warned that underutilizing human potential weakens long-term national development, stating, “No country that leaves a significant part of its human capital idle can embark on a truly strong development drive.”

The Turkish president additionally highlighted labor market reforms in Türkiye, saying informal employment has fallen from more than 52% in the early 2000s to 24% in 2025, which he described as the strongest labor market performance in more than two decades.

He said the country’s broader development strategy, referred to as the “Century of Türkiye,” is centered on strengthening human capital through cooperation among government institutions, businesses, universities, labor unions, local authorities, and civil society organizations.

Erdogan also emphasized efforts to modernize vocational education and align training programs more closely with industry demands. According to him, the government aims to help integrate 3 million young people into the workforce over the next three years.

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