05/12/2025
Faruk Eczacıbaşı, President of the Turkish Informatics Foundation and Vice Chair of the Board of Eczacıbaşı Holding, met with students within the framework of the Sustainability Talks, organized as part of the "MGMT 301: Introduction to Sustainability” course, at Sabancı University. Moderated by Prof. Dr. Zafer Yenal from Sabancı Business School, the event featured striking observations by Faruk Eczacıbaşı regarding digital transformation, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the future of society.
"For 30 Years, We Have Been Experiencing One of the Deepest Ruptures in Human History."
Faruk Eczacıbaşı, who began his speech by describing his introduction to informatics, emphasized that the digital transformation that has taken place since the 1980s, when personal computers entered our lives, has fundamentally changed institutions and social structures: "I believe the internet is one of the greatest inventions in human history. In just 30 years, we have seen the most significant technological leap since the invention of the printing press. The reason for our current confusion is this changing paradigm."
Eczacıbaşı stated that vertical and horizontal growth occur simultaneously with the development of technology, and that this has accelerated with artificial intelligence.
The New Understanding of Education: "Not Storing Information, But Teaching How to Access It."
Emphasizing that the education system lags behind the times, Faruk Eczacıbaşı said: "General education is still trying to fill our minds. However, all the information is at our fingertips. The key is to extract meaning from that information and produce results from the global perspective."
Addressing Sabancı University students, Faruk Eczacıbaşı stated that the new definition of talent is based on "the ability to connect and interpret data."
A "Global Framework" is Needed for Sustainability and Ethics.
Eczacıbaşı noted that environmental and social degradation are accelerating alongside technological advancement, and addressed sustainability not only in terms of the environment but also social justice: "Reality and fiction are drifting apart. If we want the planet to survive, our policies must adapt to reality and the rules of the new technological age."
Following his speech, Faruk Eczacıbaşı emphasized the need for a new compass: "Technology is removing borders. We need new compasses that transcend borders and involve the entire planet."
"Successful Disruption Defies All Predictions."
Emphasizing that power in the economy still rests with old models, Eczacıbaşı stated that change will come from initiatives: "Disruption brings you something outside of predefined directions. Social media destroyed the old media order. Now, new companies will bring new solutions to old issues. Startups will grow much faster."
"We Must Find Ways to Find Answers, not Answers."
Responding to a question from students, he stated that the most important need for the future is a methodology for seeking answers: "We won't find the answers ourselves. Maybe someone in Peru or China will. What we need to develop is how to reach those answers."
Conclusion: A Hopeful Vision Amidst Uncertainty
In the final part of his speech, Faruk Eczacıbaşı summarized the transition humanity is experiencing today: “Everyone is confused. But that's a good thing. We are developing a new mindset. We have a long way to go, but our compass must be straight.”
MGMT 301 is the only required course in the Sustainability Minor Program, which embodies Sabancı University's sustainability vision and is the product of its pioneering steps in this field.
