R&D and Innovation Activities in Leading Export-Based Industries in Türkiye: An Analysis for Future Insights

Abstract

Purpose: Research and Development (R&D) and innovation activities critically impact an organization's development and competitive advantage. Although all industries have R&D and innovation activities, sectoral applications vary depending on readiness, investment opportunities, and organizational strategies. This study focuses on the automotive, textile, and main metal industries, with the highest export rates in Türkiye. This study aims to analyze R&D and innovation activities for the selected industries and provide practitioners with future insights. Methodology: Six different R&D and innovation indicators, i.e., current expenditure, personnel expenditures, trade investments, number of patent applications and number of R&D personnel, are considered for this study, and the GM (1,1) forecasting model is used to predict 2022-2030. Findings: As a result, although an increase in R&D and innovation activities in the automotive industry is expected, especially for each indicator, these values are limited for textile and main metal. It is realized that especially these two industries need more support. Originality: Within the scope of this study, future insights and suggestions are given under digitalization and technology adoption, encouraging postgraduate studies of employees and higher education - industry collaborations, adopting R&D and innovation as a part of corporate culture, extending R&D and innovation incentives, supporting SMEs in R&D and innovation activities according to sectoral comparisons.