As part of the AI4YE – Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurship project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, an extensive field research study was conducted in İzmir, Türkiye, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in youth entrepreneurship.
This research brought together with 20 young entrepreneurs aiming to better understand how AI is currently used, what challenges exist, and what opportunities lie ahead.
Why This Research Matters
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the entrepreneurial landscape. However, understanding how young entrepreneurs interact with these technologies is essential for designing effective support systems.
The AI4YE field research aimed to:
- Assess the level of AI adoption
- Identify barriers and challenges
- Explore opportunities for growth
- Provide practical recommendations for policy and education
Main Findings
1. AI is Already a Core Tool for Young Entrepreneurs
- 75% of participants actively use AI, while the remaining plan to adopt it soon
- No participant rejected the importance of AI
AI is no longer optional — it is becoming a standard business tool
2. AI is Seen as a Strong Advantage
- 100% of respondents stated that AI is beneficial
- Key benefits include:
- Time-saving
- Automation of repetitive tasks
- Better decision-making
- Improved marketing performance
AI is clearly perceived as a growth accelerator
3. Major Barriers Still Exist
The biggest challenges identified were:
- High implementation costs (65%)
- Lack of technical knowledge (50%)
- Data quality and legal uncertainty
These barriers show that access to AI is still uneven and limited
4. Strong Demand for Practical AI Training
Young entrepreneurs expressed the need for:
- AI-powered marketing training
- Technical knowledge (machine learning, data analytics)
- Legal and ethical guidance
There is a clear shift from theory to hands-on, practical learning needs
5. AI is Driving Business Growth
Participants highlighted that AI:
- Improves operational efficiency
- Enhances customer experience
- Supports data-driven decision-making
- Enables small businesses to compete with larger companies
AI is becoming a competitive equalizer in the market
6. Ethical and Sustainability Awareness is Still Developing
- Most participants are aware of AI’s impact
- However, only a small portion actively considers ethical and environmental implications
This highlights a critical need for responsible AI education
7. The Ecosystem is Growing — But Not Enough
- Majority opinion: “Growing, but not sufficient”
- Entrepreneurs call for:
- Financial support
- Better infrastructure
- Public-private collaboration
- Early-stage AI education
Türkiye is at a turning point in AI entrepreneurship
Field Activities and Real-Life Insights
The research included workshops with students and young entrepreneurs, interviews with AI experts and startup founders, company visits, surveys, and focus group discussions. These activities provided real-world insights into how AI is shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems in Türkiye.
Conclusion
The AI4YE field research in İzmir reveals a clear reality:
Young entrepreneurs are ready for AI, but they need support, training, and access.
With the right ecosystem, Türkiye has the potential to become a key player in AI-driven entrepreneurship, turning local innovation into global impact.
About the Project
AI4YE – Artificial Intelligence for Young Entrepreneurship is an Erasmus+ project aiming to empower young entrepreneurs with AI knowledge, tools, and practical skills across Europe.
Co-funded by the European Union
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