A recent study published in the ‘Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning’ sheds light on the significant shifts in high-tech knowledge-intensive business services (HKIS) in Turkey’s metropolitan hubs—Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir—during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Barış Ergen from Erciyes University, the research offers compelling insights into how the pandemic has influenced the concentration of jobs in this vital sector.
The findings reveal that the proportion of HKIS employees in these three cities surged from 71.65% in 2019 to 79% in 2020, amidst the implementation of strict pandemic measures. Even in the post-COVID-19 landscape of 2021, this concentration remained high at 78.68%. This upward trend indicates a resilience and adaptability within the HKIS sector that could have profound implications for urban development and construction.
Ergen highlights that the pandemic acted as a catalyst, accelerating existing trends in the agglomeration of high-tech services. “The increase in the concentration of HKIS activities suggests that businesses are recognizing the benefits of being located in close proximity to one another,” he notes. This clustering effect can lead to enhanced collaboration, innovation, and efficiency, all of which are crucial for the construction industry that relies heavily on technological advancements and skilled labor.
For construction firms, these findings are particularly significant. As HKIS continues to thrive in urban centers, there is likely to be an increased demand for commercial and residential spaces that accommodate these high-tech services. Developers may need to pivot their projects to cater to the specific needs of HKIS firms, such as flexible office spaces, tech hubs, and innovation centers. The construction sector could see a rise in projects that integrate smart building technologies, sustainable practices, and collaborative work environments, reflecting the evolving landscape of business needs.
Moreover, as cities like Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir become hotspots for high-tech services, local economies may experience a boost. The concentration of talent and innovation can attract further investment and create a more dynamic job market, which in turn fuels demand for construction and infrastructure development.
In light of this research, stakeholders in the construction industry should consider how to adapt their strategies to align with the burgeoning HKIS sector. As Ergen suggests, “The lessons learned from the pandemic can inform future urban planning and development, ensuring that cities remain resilient and responsive to the needs of high-tech businesses.”
This study not only underscores the resilience of the HKIS sector during challenging times but also positions it as a key driver for future urban development in Turkey. As the construction industry looks to the future, understanding these dynamics will be essential for capitalizing on emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.
