Export Strategies for Turkish Creative Services in Global Value Chains

The cultural and creative industries of Türkiye have achieved a major breakthrough in service exports by 2025, securing a strong position within global value chains. Supported by initiatives such as the Service Sectors Leap Program, a broad spectrum of industries—from series and film production to advertising, music, and game design—has successfully entered and sustained its presence in international markets.

Strengthened Export Engine with State Support

With the implementation of the Ministry of Trade’s Decision No. 10962 and the Service Export Decree No. 5448, creative industries have become a strategic priority. Initially focused on film and television, government incentives have expanded to include architecture, music, advertising, and experience design.

As emphasized by Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Service Exporters’ Association (HİB), this approach has enabled integrated sectoral growth. Turkish TV series—supported with up to $100,000 per episode—have generated a multiplier effect by stimulating tourism and strengthening international visibility.

State support mechanisms are both extensive and concrete:

• Advertising & Promotion Support: up to 50% (70% in target countries), capped at 25 million TL annually

• International Event Participation: up to 1.5 million TL per event

• Dubbing & Subtitling Support: up to 12 million TL annually

• Target Market Incentives: additional 20% advantage

• TURQUALITY & E-TURQUALITY: accelerating brand development and e-export capacity

• Operational Support:

  • 50% coverage for overseas office rent

  • showroom investments

  • acquisition of advanced technology companies

The results are reflected in 2025 performance data:

• Total exports: $273.4 billion

• Service exports: $117.2 billion+

• Telecommunications & IT services: $5.3 billion (+37.8% growth)

Creative industries have also expanded by integrating with engineering and consultancy services, increasing overall export value.

Integration into Global Value Chains: From Strategy to Execution

Turkish companies have adopted a structured internationalization model:

Trade Shows → Promotion → Sales Channels

First, they establish visibility at global platforms such as Cannes and SXSW, followed by sustained engagement through digital marketing and international office networks.

Additional strategic tools include:

• Foreign company acquisitions enabling technology transfer

• Consultancy support up to 28 million TL annually

• Transformation of advertising agencies and game studios into global competitors

According to Berat Kuzu, Chairman of the ATO Creative Industries Commission, this model represents a “visionary step”. By extending film-based incentives to areas like music and photography, Türkiye has diversified its export portfolio.

The 2026–2028 Medium-Term Program further strengthens this direction by prioritizing:

• EU-focused logistics

• technical consultancy services

• risk management through integrated product-service packaging

Support Mechanisms at a Glance

Tourism and Brand Multiplier: Real-Life Impact

Turkish TV series have become powerful tools of nation branding. With support from TGA (Tourism Promotion and Development Agency), productions integrate historical and gastronomic elements into storytelling.

Short-form content—such as 30-second promotional films and reels—has effectively redirected global audiences toward tourism destinations.

Additional advantages include:

• Simplified bureaucratic procedures

• Free or subsidized filming locations

• Faster production timelines

This synergy creates a dual impact:

• Upstream: content production

• Downstream: distribution and tourism inflow

Conclusion

Turkish creative services have evolved from simple export activities into a fully integrated global ecosystem presence. By following a strategic sequence—from trade shows to permanent international operations—companies have reduced costs, increased efficiency, and gained a sustainable competitive edge.

With strong policy backing and expanding global integration, this trajectory is expected to accelerate further beyond 2026.