Guiding 10 Sectors Towards Sustainability

ICI Sectoral Sustainability Roadmaps, which started in 2021, includes guiding sustainability priorities and monitoring indicators for 10 different sectors grouped by the 55 sectoral committees of the ICI. Within the scope of this project, we aimed to facilitate the first steps towards transition to sustainable manufacturing by supporting awareness and capacity building, especially in SMEs, and to encourage performance monitoring on priority issues and preparation for legal regulations in the near future. This year, we organized informational meetings focusing on the roadmaps for 10 different sectors.

+100 applications for Carbon Footprint Consultancy by 2023

As part of the Corporate Carbon Footprint Consultancy project, we assist our members in calculating and reporting their corporate greenhouse gas inventories—an essential step in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. By 2023, the project had received 100 applications.

Reaching Over 1,000 Industrialists through Our Training on CBAM

Under the scope of the European Green Deal, which holds particular significance for exporting manufacturers, one of the key developments in 2023 was the initiation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) transition period on October 1, 2023. 739 people participated in the “Technical Information Training on the CBAM Implementation Regulation” that we organized on October 13, 2023. The event was also broadcast on ICI YouTube channel and reached 1,000 viewers.

CBAM Application Guides

In collaboration with the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye, we implemented the ‘Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Implementation Guidelines’ project. This initiative aims to address the reporting obligations introduced by CBAM in the ‘Aluminum’ and ‘Iron & Steel’ sectors, as well as to resolve implementation challenges encountered during the process. The project was supported and guided by contributions from our relevant professional committees.

Reaching 34,284 Unique Users Through the ICI Green Blog

Through the ICI Green Blog, which provides the latest news and insights to enhance awareness and knowledge for industrialists, especially SMEs, we engaged 34,284 unique users.

ICI Green Transition Awards

Within the framework of the sustainable manufacturing approach, we designed the “Environment and Energy Efficiency” awards, which we have been organizing since 1995, as the “ICI Green Transition Awards” in 2022 in order to see the reflections of the green transition. Awards were presented in six categories under the themes of Environment, Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability.

Activities Related to the Circular Economy

As part of the Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency Platform Project, launched in 2022 in collaboration with SKD Türkiye and our Chamber, and supported by İSTKA, we conducted numerous activities throughout 2023. These included field visits, sector-specific general assessment reports, seminars, and workshops. To support the development of a qualified workforce, we organized training sessions and certification programs. The project culminated in the Circular Economy Summit, attended by 386 participants.

Additionally, in 2023, we actively participated in international events such as the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2023 and Circular Textile Days 2023, enabling us to stay updated on global developments in the circular economy and engage with international stakeholders in this field.

25 applications for ICI Energy Desk

Through the Energy Desk established within ICI, we provided free one-on-one consultancy services to 25 applications from ICI members. Additionally, as part of the Energy Efficiency in the Sock Industry Sector project, we conducted preliminary energy assessments for 15 facilities. Our Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Seminars further expanded our reach, engaging over 1,000 participants and promoting awareness in these critical areas.

COP28 Participation and Contribution to the Side Event Program

Recognizing the vital importance of solidarity with global stakeholders alongside national efforts, we participated in the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change—the foremost global platform addressing sustainability and climate change.

As ICI, we contributed to the COP28 side event program coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change and held the panel 'Green Transition and SMEs in the Era of Sustainable Manufacturing.' The key role of SMEs in the green transition was underlined in our panel, where senior executives from OECD and CDP, as well as representatives from companies with successful practices in the field of sustainability, participated as panelists.

+5.000 Meetings with Sectoral Trade Delegations

Throughout 2023, we conducted international meetings with sectoral trade delegations to help our members seize potential business opportunities in foreign markets. Additionally, we organized numerous seminars, training programs, and projects to support their growth and competitiveness.

42 Companies Benefited from Target Market Research and Consultancy Services in 2023

Through our Target Market Research Consultancy, we analyze market losses in competitor countries and provide exporters with the tools to position themselves effectively in potential markets at the right time. We offer information and consultancy services to companies that wish to start exporting, expand their exports, or improve their export strategies. In 2023, we provided 21 Target Market Reports and 28 Target Customer Intelligence consultancy services to 42 companies.

1,358 Bilateral Business Meetings

As part of the European Enterprise Network (EEN) in collaboration with KOSGEB and Sabancı University since 2008, we carried out initiatives under the themes of International R&D Collaboration Consultancy, Training, and Bilateral Business Meetings. In 2023, we facilitated 1,358 bilateral business meetings between 981 companies during 22 events organized by EEN centers across Europe. These efforts resulted in 15 cooperation agreements signed by our member companies. Furthermore, we provided 145 specialized consultancy services to companies on topics including internationalization, digital transformation, R&D funding, and energy.

MIND4MACHINES

Under the coordination of our Chamber, we continued the MIND4MACHINES project in 2023, which operates with a budget of 5 million Euros. The project aims to financially support SMEs and start-ups developing smart digital solutions for the manufacturing sector and to amplify their impact by accelerating their innovation activities.

Istanbul Project Academy

Through the Istanbul Project Academy, managed by our Chamber, we provided a range of services, including information and training activities, networking support, matchmaking, and project development mentoring. Supported by an academic network comprising 150 academics and 24 training programs at different levels, the Academy delivered 12 thematic networking events, 6 National Project Markets, 4 International B2B Matching Events, and tailor-made consultancy services to 200 companies in 2023.

ICI KOZA

We further enhanced the ICI KOZA Collaboration and Acceleration Program, which connects entrepreneurs, investors, and industrialists while offering startups training, mentoring, and consultancy support. New initiatives included the “This Month in ICI KOZA Bulletin” series and “ICI KOZA Entrepreneur Meetings,” reinforcing the program’s role in fostering innovation and collaboration.

~60,000 Participants Trained Through ICI Academy Programs

We continued offering training programs through ICI Academy to support and guide businesses. Over the year, we conducted a total of 376 training sessions, amounting to 1,616.5 hours. These included 64 online training sessions, 14 webinars, 33 in-class training sessions, and 265 Mini MBA sessions, reaching a total of 59,348 participants.

Turkish Industrial Companies Workforce Training Needs Survey Conducted with the Participation of 12 Chambers of Industry

We initiated a comprehensive research process to assess the training maturity of industrial companies and identify the developmental needs of their employees. Conducted in collaboration with the Istanbul Chamber of Industry and the TEGEP Education and Development Association, the Türkiye Industrial Companies Workforce Training Needs Survey involved 12 Chambers of Industry across the country. The findings will form the basis for a detailed report on workforce training needs.

432 participants attended 32 general training sessions organized by İSOBEL

In 2023, İSOBEL (Istanbul Chamber of Industry Certification Inc.), established in 2021, successfully continued its activities. A total of 432 participants from 234 companies participated in 32 general training sessions organized by the institution. ISOBEL will continue to improve its service scope both by developing its existing resources and by collaborating with different institutions and organizations, especially universities, to create healthy working environments in workplaces and the systems and standards to be developed in this regard.

Future Work in the Manufacturing Sector

Our EU-funded project, The Future of Work in Manufacturing Industry: Closing the Skills and Gender Gap (ManuFoW), officially launched on October 1, 2023. This initiative is supported by a grant agreement with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security of the Republic of Turkey, European Union, and Financial Assistance Department.

2,500 Participants Attended the 'Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Industry' Seminar Series

Following the earthquake disaster on February 6, 2023, which affected 11 provinces, we launched a seminar series titled Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Industry. This eight-session series aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders, particularly industrialists, about earthquake preparedness. Approximately 2,500 people participated in the seminars.

Strengthening the Disaster Resilience of Industry

Aligned with the principle of a Disaster-Resilient Industry, we launched the Disaster Management Branch in May 2023. Key initiatives included developing the ‘Disaster Resilient Report Card of Industrial Facilities’ to evaluate and inventory disaster resilience across industrial facilities in Istanbul and preparing the ‘Flood Risk Management Guide for Industrial Facilities’ to address urban flood risks and provide a practical resource for industrial facilities in Istanbul.

An Average of 25.3 Hours of Training per Personnel

We also prioritize the career and personal development of our employees. In 2023, our employees received an average of 25.3 hours of training. Female employees received an average of 30.22 hours, while male employees completed an average of 21.52 hours.

43.5% Female Employee Ratio

We are committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace, from recruitment to career development. In 2023, women represented 43.5% of all employees and held 36% of management positions at the manager level and above.

Zero Waste Certificate

In our Odakule building, which received the Zero Waste Certificate from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change in 2022, waste generation is minimized through the implementation of the Zero Waste Regulation and a circular economy approach. This initiative, which includes both ICI and Odakule tenant institutions, ensures that unavoidable waste is separately collected at the source, recycled, and reintegrated into the economy.

ICI Corporate Carbon Footprint Calculation

Recognizing that the impacts of climate change demand action from all institutions, regardless of sector or scale, we conducted a corporate carbon footprint calculation in 2023. This study, covering Odakule, our representatives, and service units, was carried out in compliance with the TS EN ISO 14064-1:2019 Standard, emphasizing reduction and adaptation strategies.

Vocational Education Collaboration Project (ICI MEİP)

Since 2019, we have worked in partnership with the Ministry of National Education to make graduating from a vocational high school a source of pride and prestige through the Vocational Education Collaboration Project. This initiative aims to design educational programs in collaboration with industry leaders, ensuring vocational and technical education in Istanbul prepares students for the workforce by enhancing their skills and qualifications.

Under this model, schools are paired with ICI Vocational Committees. We currently support: - 43 Vocational and Technical Anatolian High Schools (MTAL),
- 1 Vocational Education Center (MESEM),
- 11 Fine Arts High Schools (GSL), and
- 23 Special Education Vocational High Schools.
-In the 2022–2023 academic year, 2,272 out of 5,471 graduates from ICI
MEİP schools were employed in their respective fields.

Istanbul Vocational Education Summit

On December 8, 2023, we hosted the Istanbul Vocational Education Summit in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education. The summit, attended by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin and ICI Chairman Erdal Bahçıvan, featured workshops focusing on developments in vocational education. During the summit, schools eligible for support under the ICI MEİP Atilla Altuntaş Project Support were announced. In 2023, we provided 4 million TL to fund 29 projects across 27 schools. New support categories, including digital transformation, energy efficiency, employment, sustainability, gender equality, and school promotion/communication, were added to the existing categories of infrastructure, education, revolving fund, social responsibility, and socialization.

Best Partnership Project Finalist

At the 13th World Chambers Congress organized by the World Chambers Federation (WCF) under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), ICI MEİP was a finalist in the “Best Partnership Project” category. Competing against 111 chambers from 47 countries, we were proud to be one of four finalists in the 2023 World Chamber Competition, held under the theme “Achieving Peace and Prosperity through Multilateralism.”

Contribution to Preschool Education

As part of the Ministry of National Education’s “Preschool Education” initiative, we constructed the İstanbul Sanayi Odası 100. Yıl Cumhuriyet Kindergarten, a 12-classroom facility located in Sancaktepe. The kindergarten was officially opened for use on October 30, 2023.

1,000 Containers – ICI Living City Project

In response to the devastating earthquakes that struck 11 provinces, including Kahramanmaraş, in 2023, we launched the ICI Living City Project. In collaboration with the Hatay Governorship, Antakya District Governorship, ICI Assembly and Professional Committee Members, ICI Foundation Board of Trustees, and local and international donors, we provided 1,000 container homes. Delivered through AFAD in May 2023, these containers supported 1,000 families and nearly 4,000 individuals in need.

1.300 Scholars

In 2023, the Istanbul Chamber of Industry Foundation (İSOV) provided scholarships to 1,300 engineering students, marking its highest number of recipients to date, including special condition scholarships. İSOV also continued its contributions to education by organizing 35 training sessions and webinars across 10 different fields for scholarship recipients.

Programs such as Mini MBA courses offered in collaboration with ISO Academy and experience-sharing sessions hosted by ISO Professional Committees significantly contributed to the professional and personal development of young people.

ISO Art Gallery

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Republic, we hosted an interactive experience exhibition in the ICI Art Gallery, located at Odakule Passage. The exhibition highlighted Türkiye's rich industrial heritage and aspirations for future development. It offered an engaging narrative covering the history of Turkish industry, the transformative impact of vocational education, and ICI's journey from its establishment to the present. Visitors were invited to explore the historical achievements and future potential of Türkiye’s industrial landscape.