About

Istanbul Digital Economy Club is a non-profit organization established to foster economic, commercial, and cultural cooperation with the People's Republic of China and the countries along the historic Silk Road which Türkiye shares strong historical ties. As an organization of business leaders, the club seeks to generate in-depth insights, shape effective public discourse and develop robust economic policies to contribute to the formation of a new international order. It aims to highlight the unique opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for Türkiye. Türkiye, with its exceptional strategic geographical position, its rich heritage from hosting numerous historical civilizations and its abundant intellectual capital, is uniquely positioned among BRI countries to enhance cooperation and ensure effective coordination within the Belt and Road network.The club aspires to support the development of a "mixed economic system"—a vital driver for both Türkiye’s and China’s growth—by integrating it with advanced technologies. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the establishment of a new global "mixed economic" model that prioritizes social welfare and international collaboration. By leveraging mutual strengths, we aim to help create a distinct global technological and economic framework that encourages shared prosperity and cooperation.

The logo of the Istanbul Digital Economy Club features a Phoenix or Crane breaking free from its frame, symbolizing rebirth and the dawn of a new era that transcends boundaries. The purple hue reflects the nobility of our roots and Istanbul's majestic ancient heritage, while the golden yellow represents the promise of a radiant future.

Istanbul Digital Economy Club has been authorized by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior, Directorate General for Relations with Civil Society, with the registration number 34-291-056.

Shaping Tomorrow, Together: Join the Digital Economy Transformation!

Our Mission

Istanbul Digital Economy Club has adopted the mission of shaping Turkey’s digital future by combining Istanbul’s historical and strategic location at the meeting point of ancient trade routes with the unlimited information technology opportunities offered by the digital age. It works to accelerate the country’s digital transformation process and support economic growth by taking advantage of the rise of global mixed economic models and the cooperation opportunities offered by the Belt and Road Initiative. In line with this purpose, it carries out studies to develop new generation public information systems, strengthen the innovation ecosystem and encourage international cooperation.

Our Vision

Istanbul Digital Economy Club aims to create a multilateral and democratic digital world in global cooperation by transforming the digital economy into a sustainable and fair future that will increase social welfare. It aims to establish an ecosystem based on trust, transparency and solidarity by using the unlimited opportunities offered by technology for the benefit of society; and to make Istanbul one of the centers of the digital economy. Inspired by our ancient cultural heritage, it has adopted the vision of developing a human-centered digital transformation and cooperation model.

Our Values

Social Justice and Accessibility

We prioritize building a fair digital world where technology creates equal opportunities for everyone. We leverage the digital economy to enhance social welfare and promote social justice.

Trust and Transparency

By creating a reliable and transparent ecosystem, we foster trust between individuals and institutions. We encourage open communication and multilateral engagement to establish sustainable digital collaborations.

Community-Centered Approach

Our digital solutions prioritize the needs of individuals and communities. We utilize technology not solely for profit but to generate societal benefits.

Collaboration and Solidarity

We support local and global partnerships to cultivate a culture of multilateral solidarity. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, we transcend borders and share the collective strength of the digital world.

Innovation and Sustainability

We harness the innovative solutions offered by the digital economy to contribute to a sustainable future and promote long-term development.

Cultural Heritage and Local Values

Inspired by Istanbul's rich history and cultural heritage, we develop projects that uphold a community-focused vision in the digital realm.

Courage and Determination

We take bold, determined, and passionate steps to achieve ambitious goals. As we position Istanbul at the heart of the digital economy, we are ready to overcome every challenge we encounter.

Our Manifesto

Istanbul Digital Economy Club

Founded in an ancient city at the crossroads of the world's greatest trade routes, the Istanbul Digital Economy Club aims to lead Turkey's digital future by leveraging the boundless opportunities of new public information systems, the rise of global mixed economic models, and the immense collaboration potential created by the Belt and Road Initiative.

As the Istanbul Digital Economy Club, we stand for:

Technology and Social Justice for All!

We design the digital economy to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities and to create a sustainable future. The digital economy should not focus solely on profit but address all of humanity’s needs. We advocate for intelligent mixed economies based on production and collaboration, rather than monopolistic and usurious gains.

A Global Ecosystem Built on Trust and Transparency!

Instead of closed and divisive structures, we are laying the foundation for a new public information paradigm rooted in trust, transparency, and multilateral digital interaction.

Inspiration from Istanbul’s Ancient Cultural Heritage!

We draw from the millennia-old wisdom of this land to strengthen new collaborations founded on community values. By integrating digital technologies, we aim to grow institutions that operate across economic, political, and ideological spheres.

Crossing Borders with Harmonious Global Cooperation!

We embrace a future that transcends borders through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. By establishing a shared digital network, we contribute to a multipolar, free, and democratic world order based on solidarity and mutual sharing.

With Passion, Determination, and Courage, We Are Bringing Istanbul to the Heart of the Digital Economy!

We are here to create an accessible, reliable, and innovative digital world for everyone. Now and always, we will elevate Istanbul's strategic power as a beacon reflecting the light of digital societies!

FROM THE ARTICLES of İDEC

The main goals of the IDEC are:

All kinds of economic, commercial, cultural, social, scientific, etc. cooperation in Turkiyeand with the People's Republic of China and the countries within the scope of the Belt Road Initiative. To organize events where the needs of all parties involved in concrete relations or interactions will be met.
To provide and deliver strategic analyzes about the "Belt Road Initiative and Digital Silk Road" initiatives to all policy-making groups in Turkiye (Presidency, Parliament, political parties, Ministries, etc.) and to create public pressure to follow up the results of these studies.
To present regular - general or special upon request - research to the industrial and commercial organizations and business associations that constitute Turkiye's productive power, analyzing possible business opportunities within the framework of the Belt Road Initiative.
To take a leading role in the work in Belt and Road countries for the use of decentralized structures and digital technologies in international interaction, which we see as the basic principles in designing the New World financial system.
In order to increase Turkiye's exports to the People's Republic of China and BRI countries, to create economic research, analysis and statistical information regarding the targeted sectors and present it to its stakeholders and relevant parties.
To share economic information and data regarding the areas in which the People's Republic of China and BRI countries can invest in Turkiye with the relevant parties and the public.
To prepare economic and social analyzes that will be needed by companies of the People's Republic of China and BRI countries established in Turkiye.
To establish a unit that will provide the necessary information and data support needed to Turkish companies that want to operate in the People's Republic of China.
To inform the public regularly, including the main developments and current issues within the scope of the Belt Road Initiative - especially by using social media tools effectively.
Policy makers and companies regarding potential collaborations in sectors that are strategically important in the development of economic cooperation between Türkiye and China (food production, energy, logistics, tourism, financial technologies, artificial intelligence, internet of things, block chain, big data analysis, etc.). To prepare informative and encouraging reports and to create a data bank.
Within the framework of the Belt Road Initiative, to ensure the necessary coordination for the participation of Turkish institutions in international events, to contribute to cooperation and to inform the Turkish and world public opinion on important issues.
To ensure real collaboration between Chinese and Turkish high-tech companies in the transition from the Internet economy to the digital high-tech economy, and to work for the necessary technology and financial support, especially for Turkish start-ups.
To organize events to create public opinion and raise international awareness in order to make the city of Istanbul, which has been the capital of empires for thousands of years, a "center" of the "Digital Silk Road" economy.

Future Endeavors of the Association

The association works on the following and similar issues in order to achieve the objectives stated in the above article:

Organizes events to meet and ensure solidarity among the members of the association and to strengthen the communication between them;
Makes efforts to recruit new real person members and gain corporate members;
It can establish economic enterprises and companies to carry out activities in line with its purpose; may operate it or transfer it for operation;
Conferences, congresses, panels, open sessions, forums, fairs, exhibitions, bazaars, concerts, research, investigations, studies, surveys, seminars, etc. through committees or experts to be formed within the association. organizes meetings, all kinds of scientific, educational and social studies, and competitions with prizes and without prizes; Gets plans and projects made in all areas related to the purpose and work subjects; collaborates with universities and other educational and training institutions;
Establish student exchange programs between China and Türkiye; students' accommodation, nutrition, education, etc. It works to provide and accepts scholarships, loans and donations necessary to meet its needs;
Producing publications like brochures, magazines, newspapers and books etc. in work areas;
Organizes or arranges all kinds of trips at home and abroad to improve the knowledge and experience of the members of the association;
May open necessary working, educational and social facilities for the service subjects specified in the charter; can buy, rent or sell real estate; may establish and operate all kinds of rights on these properties and may have all kinds of construction carried out;
It may establish foundations and aid funds for the purposes and service subjects specified in the charter provisions; In accordance with its aims and activities, it can receive donations and aid from domestic and abroad within the framework of the relevant legislation.
It can engage in international activities and become a member of organizations suitable for its purpose, provided that it has the permissions required by the legislation;
In order to achieve its aims and activities, it may perform any other work permitted by Turkish law.