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The mobile cluster of Istanbul is with its unique location as a gateway
between Europe and Asia, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, as well as its
unique, diverse cultural heritage, as relevant as it ever was throughout
history.
With more than 10 million inhabitants, one foot in Europe and one in
the Middle East, Istanbul is Turkey’s undisputed economic centre. Over 50% of
the largest industrial companies in Turkey are located in Istanbul, which also
hosts 75% of Turkey’s real estate and financial institutions. Furthermore, with
a mobile phone penetration rate of 85% - well above EU average and in stark
contrast to the rest of Turkey (where the average penetration rate is 55%) -
mobile phones have rapidly become a natural part of the everyday lives of
Istanbul’s diverse population.
Mobile penetration rates in Istanbul are high
and promising. Istanbul scores below European average in the innovative
climate, yet reveals some promising developments. The density of R&D
centres and incubators is very high by Turkish standards. Five of Turkey’s
technology parks and more than a third of the country’s universities are
located in Istanbul. Among the incubators located in Istanbul, the majority are
university initiatives.
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A few international telecommunications
companies have set up local incubators in Istanbul, notably Ericsson Mobility
World and Siemens Business Accelerator, indicating an interest in, and
commitment to, the region.
With a mobile savvy population in a city of 10
million – and a further 60 million in Turkey outside the Istanbul area – the
telecom market is growing fast. In addition, while the demographic situation of
Western Europe is perceived as a threat with an ageing population, the opposite
is true for Turkey where the average age is 27. The increasing usage of mobile
services by both corporate users and the young population is the main factor
behind future growth potential of the market.
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 MRI Istanbul.pdf
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