Mustafa Canlı is the Director General for Innovation and Educational Technologies at Türkiye’s Ministry of National Education. There, he has championed the integration of technology and innovation into the national education system. With a background in information systems and policy design, he has led programmes that modernise classrooms, widen access for teachers and students, and ensure schools adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

He led the development of Türkiye’s Policy Document and Action Plan for AI in Education (2025–2029), establishing a comprehensive national framework to guide the responsible, equitable, and practical use of artificial intelligence. The initiative provides teachers with structured AI literacy programmes and AI-assisted tools, gives students access to personalised learning pathways, and offers institutions clear guidance on curriculum renewal, accessibility, and secure data use. Policymakers are supported with actionable insights that enable them to monitor actions for evidence-based decision-making.

The initiative was conceived to address a key gap: while AI adoption in schools was increasing, there was no coherent framework, leaving efforts fragmented and potentially inequitable. This gap was particularly significant in Türkiye, where millions of students and educators depend on the public education system across diverse regions. Without a coherent approach, AI could become a missed opportunity – increasing rather than reducing inequality.

Canlı designed the plan to ensure AI complements human and ethical values, positioning it as a tool to enhance teaching, learning, and governance rather than replace educators or compromise equity.

The plan has unified fragmented initiatives, mobilised 12 ministry units, and strengthened collaboration with 23 stakeholder organisations, including universities and technology partners. Teacher training programs now build capacity for integrating digital tools into daily practice. National curricula have revised to include core competencies, while new elective AI courses prepare students with essential digital skills. Data-driven decision-making systems are being established, improving transparency and supporting evidence-based policies.