The first workshop of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (BOA) Cluster was held

The 1st Workshop of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Cluster was held on December 24, 2025, at Istanbul Okan University, in the Prof. Dr. R. Nejat Tuncay Conference Hall. The workshop, which brought together representatives from the public, private sector, and academia, addressed the current situation, needs, and areas of collaboration in the field of connected and autonomous vehicles.

The program included presentations by Prof. Dr. Semih Bilgen and Prof. Dr. Orhan Behiç Alankuş on the outputs of the OPINA Project and the opportunities offered by the open innovation platform. Additionally, Dr. Can Gökçe shared the general framework of the cluster, its work program, and a roadmap and working group proposals for connected and autonomous vehicle technologies with the participants.

In the second part of the workshop, participants came together under thematic working groups. Within this framework, evaluations were made on the development of cluster collaboration, qualified workforce and skill development, value chains and collaboration models, and innovative technology and product development.

As a result of the group work, priority areas that will guide the cluster’s activities were determined. The workshop highlighted the importance of establishing a stronger collaborative structure among stakeholders, supporting joint project development processes, and working together to access national and international funds.

The workshop, attended by approximately 50 participants from various disciplines, proceeded in an interactive environment. The outputs provided a framework for the cluster’s future work.

The full detailed report, prepared based on the evaluations obtained during the workshop, can be accessed here.