The “Business World Symposium” organized by the Future Generation Industrialists Association (GENSAD) was hosted by the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO).
In his opening speech, addressing the younger generation of industrialists, ASO President Seyit Ardıç emphasized that generational transition in industry is not merely a transfer of responsibilities, stating:
“The mission of young industrialists is not only to preserve the existing structure, but also to strengthen, develop, and, when necessary, reinterpret it according to the conditions of the new era.”
The event, where the present and future of the business world were discussed and where experience met innovative perspectives on the same platform, brought together young-generation industrialists and representatives of ASO member companies.
In his opening remarks, ASO President Seyit Ardıç drew attention to changing competitive conditions in industry and the role to be undertaken by the new generation of industrialists.
Recalling that they had pioneered the establishment of GENSAD, Ardıç stated:
“Our aim was not merely to establish an association; it was to build a strong bridge between generations, ensure continuity in industry, and prepare the future more consciously.”
Emphasizing that it is no longer possible to move forward in industry with conventional approaches, Ardıç said:
“Change is no longer a process experienced only during certain periods; it has become the very nature of business life. Technology is changing, production models are changing, and the nature of competition is changing. In this new order, it will not be those who continue with old methods, but those who renew themselves, who will succeed.”
“IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME WAY OF DOING BUSINESS”
Pointing out that the global production and competitive structure is undergoing a fundamental transformation, President Ardıç stated:
“The market is no longer the same market, the customer is no longer the same customer, and the competitor is no longer the same competitor. Technology is changing much faster than before. Therefore, it is not possible to continue for a long time with the same way of doing business.”
Addressing the new parameters of success, President Ardıç continued:
“Today, the strongest companies are not those that simply produce more, but those that learn, adapt, establish the right partnerships, use data effectively, and place technology at the center of their business.”
“THE YOUNGER GENERATION SHOULD MANAGE NOT ONLY OPERATIONS, BUT THE FUTURE OF THE COMPANY”
Highlighting the role of the new generation of industrialists, President Ardıç said:
“The task of the younger generation is not merely to take over the existing structure. Their mission is to redesign that structure according to the conditions of the new era and move it forward. Working within a company is one thing; designing the future of a company is another. Those who will make a difference will not be those lost in daily operations, but those who can rethink the company’s direction, organization, technological capacity, brand value, and business model.”
President Ardıç also emphasized that entrepreneurship is not only about establishing a company from scratch:
“Digitalizing an existing structure, integrating data into decision-making processes, and expanding into new markets are also forms of entrepreneurship.”
“WE MUST TRANSFORM WHILE PRESERVING EXPERIENCE”
Addressing the balance between generations, President Ardıç stated:
“Experience is our rearview mirror, while vision is our windshield. We cannot move forward by looking only at the past. What our industry needs is the ability to build the future without losing experience.”
Calling on founding generations as well, President Ardıç said:
“Strong companies are those that preserve the founder’s legacy while not limiting the vision of the younger generation. Delegation of authority is not merely the transfer of signatures; it is the transfer of trust and perspective.”
“THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRY DEPENDS ON HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRANSFORMATION CAPACITY”
Emphasizing that sustainable growth in industry cannot be achieved through production alone, President Ardıç stated:
“The future of our industry depends not only on today’s production power, but also on how we prepare tomorrow’s leaders today.”
President Ardıç also underlined the importance of young women industrialists taking part in GENSAD’s administration:
“I consider it extremely valuable that our young women industrialists take a more visible, active, and stronger role in this process. A development model in which women are not empowered, youth do not have a voice, and new ideas are not supported will always remain incomplete.”
“A DEVELOPMENT MODEL WITHOUT STRONG WOMEN REMAINS INCOMPLETE”
Addressing the role of women and youth in production life, Ardıç stated:
“I find it extremely valuable that our young women industrialists are becoming more visible, more active, and stronger in this process. A development model where women are not empowered, young people do not have a voice, and new ideas are not supported will remain incomplete.”
“THE FUTURE OF OUR INDUSTRY DEPENDS ON PREPARING LEADERSHIP TEAMS TODAY”
President Ardıç noted that the Ankara Chamber of Industry carries forward the experience gained from its 63-year-rooted history together with second- and third-generation young industrialists serving on its Board of Directors, Assembly, and Committees:
“Because we know that the future of our industry depends not only on today’s production power, but also on how we prepare tomorrow’s leadership teams today.”
Following the opening speeches, the program continued with a session titled “Inspiring Conversations on Industry and Entrepreneurship.” Speakers included Alber Genau Chairman Adil Işıldak, Gentaş Group Chairman Orhan Kahraman, Gürgenler Metal Chairman Fikret Can Gürgen, and Teklifim Gelsin Co-Founder Ertuğrul Hakan Biri. Leading figures in their respective fields shared their knowledge and experiences with participants, offering inspiring insights into industry and entrepreneurship.
The symposium, held with strong participation, became an important knowledge-sharing platform for young entrepreneurs and industrialists, while also featuring visionary messages regarding the future of Turkish industry.
The symposium, organized at the ASO Zafer Çağlayan Assembly Hall, was attended by ASO Board Member Levent Akçakoca, Alber Genau Chairman Adil Işıldak, Gentaş Group Chairman Orhan Kahraman, Gürgenler Metal Chairman Fikret Can Gürgen, Teklifim Gelsin Co-Founder Ertuğrul Hakan Biri, GENSAD President Çağatay Yakın, Vice President Didem Akçakoca Özok, Board Members Burcu Osmanbeyoğlu, Berkin Çiftçioğlu, Elif Kocaadam, Beril Özden, GENSAD Secretary General Seda Çakmak, young-generation industrialists, and representatives of ASO member companies.
