Anıl Özşar

MEXT – MESS Technology Center Founded in 1959, Türkiye Metal Sanayicileri Sendikası (MESS) is Turkey’s largest employers’ association, representing over 260 companies in key sectors such as automotive, white goods, and steel. Collectively, these industries employ more than 210,000 people directly and over 1 million indirectly, generating 40% of Turkey’s exports with an annual impact exceeding $60 billion. To drive innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness, MESS established the MESS Technology Center (MEXT) in 2019. MEXT’s mission is to accelerate the digital and green (Twin) transformation of Turkey’s manufacturing ecosystem. Recognized as a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), MEXT serves as a platform for SMEs and large industries, combining cutting-edge infrastructure, internationally accredited maturity assessments, workforce training, and ecosystem development. Core Pillars 1. Digital Factory MEXT hosts the world’s first Digital Factory integrating 200+ use cases across discrete and continuous production lines. It demonstrates the value of AI, IoT, robotics, digital twins, and automation in real-world settings. The facility includes advanced infrastructure such as 5G private networks, autonomous mobile robots, CNC and 3D printing technologies, ERP–MES–WMS–PLM integration, and HPC clusters with NVIDIA A100 GPUs. It acts as a “Test Before Invest” environment for validating new technologies and training industry professionals. 2. Digital & Green Maturity Assessments MEXT conducts the world’s most comprehensive industrial assessments using SIRI (Smart Industry Readiness Index), COSIRI (Circular & Sustainable Industry Readiness Index), AI Readiness, and Automation Feasibility Analysis. Over 650 assessments have been completed in Turkey and abroad (Germany, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Romania). These evaluations provide actionable roadmaps and ensure enterprises align with international standards for digitalization and sustainability. 3. Competency Building MEXT offers the world’s most comprehensive digital transformation curriculum for manufacturing. More than 30,000 participants from 700+ companies have been trained, from shop floor operators to executives. Programs combine theory with practical sessions in the Digital Factory, ensuring skills development in AI, sustainability, Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0. 4. Ecosystem Development MEXT collaborates with 70+ global and local partners, including AWS, Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Siemens, Bosch, ABB, Schneider, Renault, Ford, Mercedes, as well as leading universities and institutions such as Boğaziçi University, ITU, Koç University, UNDP, WEF, EIT, and Turkish ministries. Through initiatives like the Turcorn 100 acceleration program, MEXT supports startups on their path to becoming global unicorns, while fostering industry–academia–policy collaboration. MEXT AI Center The dedicated AI Center focuses on Generative AI, machine learning, data analytics, and automation. It offers AI maturity assessments, prototyping, productization, and tailored training. With expertise in synthetic data, digital twins, predictive analytics, and compliance technologies, the center actively contributes to EU R&D projects and strengthens Turkey’s AI ecosystem. European & Global Role MEXT is a trusted partner in EU-funded projects (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, Interreg, IPA). References include: AI EDIH Türkiye (Digital Europe, Coordinator), GreenSync Ecosystem (IPA III, Coordinator), Black Sea Smart Marine Environmental Outcome System (Interreg, Coordinator), Digital Transformation of SMEs in Turkey (IPA II, Partner), Developing Women Empowerment Models in Manufacturing (WE) (IPA II, Partner), 5GAMMEX (UK Tactical Fund, Coordinator) MEXT also publishes influential reports such as Türkiye Manufacturing Transformation Insights (2023), Unlocking Value from AI in Manufacturing (2022), and United for Net Zero (2025). Strategic Alignment with EU Priorities MEXT contributes directly to Horizon Europe and EU policy goals by enabling: Twin Transition – digitalization and sustainability in manufacturing., AI & HPC adoption – supporting advanced computing and data-driven innovation., Circular economy & LCA – applying COSIRI and sustainability frameworks for climate-neutral industry., Skills Agenda – delivering large-scale upskilling and reskilling programs., Open innovation ecosystems – fostering startup acceleration and international cooperation