Assessment of Türkiye's Digitalization Performance within the Framework of the UN Sustainable Development Index

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the accelerated digitalization process in Türkiye in the 2000s and the developments in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) index observed in the same period. The main question motivating the study is the nature of the effects of increasing digitalization on sustainable development. Quantitative data analytics methods were used in the study. Time series data on digitalization and SDG index for Türkiye were collected and descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied. The findings show that there has been a significant increase in digitalization indicators in Türkiye since the 2000s. In the same period, an increase was also observed in the SDG index. Although a positive relationship was found between the two variables, it was understood that more detailed analyses are needed to make a definitive judgment in terms of causality. The study is important in terms of raising awareness of the relationship between digitalization and sustainable development in Türkiye and guiding future research.