Government Incentives for the Development of Unicorns in Turkey

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 108 - 117, 31.12.2025

Abdullah Emir Balantekin , Merve Alkan

https://doi.org/10.61192/indpol.1790329

Abstract

This study investigates the development of unicorn startups in Turkey, emphasizing the critical role of government policy, funding mechanisms, and institutional frameworks in fostering innovation. It outlines how Turkey has implemented specific tax incentives and funding programs aimed at supporting high-growth ventures. Supporting mechanisms such as technoparks, incubation centers, and regulatory sandboxes have shown efficacy in facilitating the emergence of unicorns by providing startups with essential resources, including mentorship, infrastructure, and compliance assistance under controlled conditions.
The research further illustrates how public-private-academic partnerships contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, essential for sustaining technological advancement and enhancing local innovation capacity. The study underscores the significant influence of behavioral dynamics among investors and founders on the rapid scaling of unicorns and highlights how these companies not only foster immediate economic benefits but also long-term strategic advantages through technological leadership and market reshaping.
Ultimately, this research contributes to understanding the multifaceted nature of unicorn development in Turkey, advocating for tailored policy frameworks that address local needs. It concludes that a synergistic approach among government, academia, and the private sector is necessary to nurture sustainable unicorn growth and to position Turkey as a competitive player in the global innovation landscape.

Keywords

Unicorn Startups , Government Policy , Turkey , Innovation Ecosystem , Financial Support Mechanisms.

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