Report Launch on the Gig Economy by UNDP ICPSD and Doğuş University

The report titled “Rethinking Entrepreneurship in the Age of Flexible Work: Gig Economy Report,” prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD) and Doğuş University, was introduced at an event held at the Doğuş University Dudullu Campus on February 26, 2026.

The event highlighted that the gig economy, alongside digital platforms and remote working models, has become a permanent and structural element of labor markets. Skill transformation, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and policy frameworks were addressed from a multidimensional perspective. It was emphasized that the report offers inclusive and actionable policy recommendations, especially for developing countries.

The opening speeches were delivered by Gökhan DİKMENER, UNDP ICPSD Chief Technical Advisor for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, and Competencies, and Prof. Dr. Erkut ALTINDAĞ, Vice Rector of Doğuş University. The speeches highlighted the impact of digital transformation on labor markets and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaborations.

The keynote speech of the event was delivered by Serdar URÇAR, General Manager of HP Turkey. The report presentation was made by Prof. Dr. Halit Targan ÜNAL from Doğuş University. The presentation shared the current structure of the gig economy, the opportunities and risks faced by entrepreneurs, and the recommendations developed for policymakers.

Representatives from various sectors came together in the panel section of the event titled “The Gig Economy and Inclusive Development.” Dr. Hande BALOĞLU TOKER, Sustainability Manager and Central & Eastern Europe Strategic Leader at HP; Başak TAŞPINAR DEĞİM, Co-Founder of Armut; Can ÇAKIR, Director of the Center for Social Research at the Human Development Foundation (İNGEV); and Halit DURAN, Entrepreneurship Research and Partnerships Analyst at UNDP ICPSD, participated as speakers in the panel.

The panel comprehensively evaluated the effects of the digital platform economy on inclusive growth, the sustainability perspective, next-generation skills, and the importance of public-private sector collaborations.

Bringing together academia, the private sector, and development actors on the same platform, the event allowed the opportunities and policy dimensions offered by the gig economy to be addressed from a multi-stakeholder perspective. Asst. Prof. Dr. Roza SÜLEYMANOĞLU from Doğuş University undertook the responsibility of the program.

The report, prepared in collaboration with UNDP ICPSD and Doğuş University, aims to contribute to the entrepreneurship ecosystem and policymaking processes.

For detailed information:

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