The 2nd International Smart Transportation Systems Summit, hosted by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority, has concluded.
On its second day, which continued with panels, BTK Vice President Selamettin Ermiş moderated the panel titled “R&D: Architects of the Future.”
Highlighting the technological importance of the era we live in, Ermiş stated, “The connection of billions of people to each other anytime and anywhere via mobile phones, access to data that has reached tremendous levels, and the unlimited opportunities arising from storage and processing speeds will form the foundation of the internet economy. The surprising implications of emerging technological breakthroughs such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, augmented reality, energy storage, and quantum computing will be the greatest mystery of the digital age. Even if we do not fully understand the internet and the innovations it will bring in the future, we can all see that the internet has evolved from being just a communication protocol into a technological platform on which economic and social life is built.”
Noting that there are more mobile subscriptions than the world population, Ermiş said, “In a world where more than 10 billion objects are connected to the internet, more than 4 billion people use the internet, and not only communication but also designing, developing, and producing are dependent on information and communication technologies, the prominent question is: ‘Will we be the directors of this interaction or passive actors?’ This is exactly where I want to insistently focus: Intelligent Transportation Systems. Because ITS, as we all know, is an umbrella concept. It encompasses traffic management systems, passenger information systems, electronic fare systems, in-vehicle safety systems, and many other subsystems. Therefore, when addressing R&D in intelligent transportation systems, it would be a more accurate approach to examine it on the basis of these subsystems,” he added.
Emphasizing the need to focus on domestic and national product and service production by encouraging R&D and innovation, Ermiş said, “As an institution, we are particularly focusing on this issue in all our policy and strategy documents in the fields of R&D and innovation. In this context, developing and promoting digital services, where entrepreneurship and innovation are important, is among our priorities. While on the topic, I would like to express that I consider the establishment of AUS Türkiye, which has such an organization in our country and is the host of this event, to be very important in terms of ITS R&D activities.”
The panel moderated by Ermiş featured panelists Prof. Dr. Orhan Alankuş, Zia Wadud, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hediye Tüydeş Yaman, Dimitris Margaritis, and Serhat Melik.