Today, the rapid development of industry and technology has made automation and digitalization in production processes a necessity. Robotic systems reduce costs and increase production efficiency. Realizing these developments, government institutions have developed many different support and incentive mechanisms for companies to keep up with this transformation. Especially with programs such as robotics automation incentives, government grants Industry 4.0, and KOSGEB robot support, entrepreneurs can make their technological investments with greater confidence. This article will discuss in detail the support offered to individuals and institutions wishing to invest in robotic automation, what advantages each institution provides, and how to benefit from these supports.
Are Robotic Automation Investments Covered by Government Incentives?
Today, the current state of technology brings concepts like robotics automation incentives to the forefront in almost every sector, from manufacturing to services, agriculture to healthcare. Increased investments in this area significantly boost both efficiency and competitiveness. Consequently, the state supports these investments through various incentive models. So, what are these supports? Can every company investing in robotics truly benefit from these incentives? In this article, we will examine all the supports offered in the context of government grants Industry 4.0 step by step.
In short, robotic automation investments are clearly covered by government support today. In fact, these investments are sometimes considered under priority support due to their contribution to digital transformation and increased efficiency. Especially under headings like industrial digitalization grants and robot technology government support, special programs offer grants and non-repayable loans.
What Support Does KOSGEB Provide for Robotic Projects?
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Support Administration (KOSGEB) provides significant support, especially for SMEs, to promote technological development. Within this scope, KOSGEB robot support targets companies aiming to use robots both at the prototype stage and in the production line. The use of robot technology in R&D, product development (Ür-Ge), and lean manufacturing-focused projects is among the priority support areas.
Key support headings offered by KOSGEB include:
- Teknoyatırım Support Program
- Strategic Product Support Program
- R&D, Ür-Ge, and Innovation Supports
Through these programs, companies can establish or update all their technological infrastructure with robot technology government support. The rate of non-repayable grants can go up to 60% depending on the project.
What Grants Does the Ministry of Industry and Technology Offer?
The Ministry of Industry and Technology is one of the biggest actors in increasing investments in advanced technologies like robotic systems in Turkey. This ministry offers various support packages within the industry automation grant program. Especially with Efficiency Improvement Projects (VAP) and Digital Transformation Supports, industrial digitalization grants are provided to encourage the transformation process of companies.
Furthermore, in projects jointly conducted with TÜBİTAK, grant opportunities of up to 75% are provided for priority technology areas; R&D support creates a critical financing source for automation projects. Particularly, if automation systems are developed with domestic software and hardware, additional support is given for the use of domestic technology.
How to Obtain an Investment Incentive Certificate for Robotic Systems?
For most companies, the question “what is an investment incentive certificate, why should I get one?” can be confusing at first. However, this certificate offers a critical advantage for large investments like robotic systems. When an investment incentive certificate is obtained for robot technologies, companies can benefit from many advantages simultaneously, such as tax reduction, customs duty exemption, VAT exemption, and interest rate reduction.
To obtain this certificate, an application must be made to the General Directorate of Investment Incentives with a project file. The project should include detailed information about the installation of the robotic system, cost plan, technology level, and the balance between imported and domestic components. Especially if machines to be used under the domestic machine support program are specified, the chance of benefiting from additional supports increases.
How Are Robotic Investment Costs Reduced with Regional Incentives?
The incentives offered by the state are shaped not only by the project content but also by the region where the investment will be made. Turkey has divided its investment incentive system into 6 regions based on socio-economic development levels of provinces. Higher rates of incentives are offered for investments made in less developed regions. Therefore, if a company invests in the 5th or 6th region, for example, it can access much more advantageous supports under robotics automation incentives.
These incentives include:
- SSI employer premium support
- Income/corporate tax reduction
- Investment location allocation
- Interest or profit share support
Especially SSI incentives for robot investments can provide a significant long-term labor cost advantage for companies wishing to invest in robotics.
What Are the Advantages Like Tax Reduction and SSI Premium Support?
One of the most attractive aspects of robotic investments receiving government support is tax and SSI premium support. These advantages, offered within the framework of robot technology government support, reduce companies’ costs and ensure a shorter payback period for projects.
Tax advantages:
- VAT exemption
- Customs duty exemption
- Corporate tax reduction (up to 50% depending on the investment size)
SSI supports:
- Employer premium reduction (up to 10 years)
- Additional incentives for creating new employment
Especially applications like SSI incentives for robot investments yield much more effective results in projects where robotic systems do not completely eliminate human resources but increase efficiency by enabling human-robot collaboration.
Can R&D and Digital Transformation Supports Be Used in This Area?
Absolutely, yes. Today, R&D and digital transformation supports are not limited to areas like software or biotechnology. R&D support can also be used in automation projects. At this point, the programs of TÜBİTAK, KOSGEB, and the Ministry of Industry and Technology stand out.
Under the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB program, up to 75% grants are provided for many projects such as robotic software development, artificial intelligence-integrated systems, and sensor-based automation solutions. Additionally, digitalization supports encourage companies to invest in areas such as data collection, analysis, and cloud system integration. These supports are rapidly expanding within the framework of the government grants Industry 4.0 approach and are attracting great interest from the private sector.
Are There Additional Supports for Domestic Machine Purchases?
For companies wishing to set up a robotic system, establishing a machine park is a significant cost item. At this point, the state offers extra incentives for machines purchased from domestic manufacturers. Especially the domestic machine support program, when included in the investment incentive certificate, provides both VAT exemption and customs duty exemption.
Along with these supports, the use of domestic machines not only supports the national economy but also allows investors to establish their systems at a more affordable cost. In some cases, higher tax reduction rates are applied to investments made with domestic machines, which significantly shortens the investment’s payback period.
What Are the Required Documents and Processes for Support Application?
One of the most important factors for entrepreneurs wishing to benefit from government support is the application process. Although the application conditions vary for each institution, the following documents are generally required:
- Project presentation file
- Feasibility report
- Company activity certificate
- Tax plate
- Financial statements
The application process varies depending on the type of support. While KOSGEB supports can be applied for through an online system, applications for Ministry of Industry and Technology supports may require applying through e-government or directly to the directorates. Additionally, for some supports, applications are only open during certain periods of the year.
Which Sectors Primarily Benefit from Robotic Investment Incentives?
Although there are supports open to all sectors, the state prioritizes some strategic areas. These sectors include:
- Defense industry
- Automotive and sub-industry
- Electronics and electrical machinery manufacturing
- Agricultural technologies
- Health technologies
Investments made in these sectors under robotics automation incentives generally have higher grant rates, longer tax reductions, and more attractive SSI incentives. Especially the industry automation grant program prioritizes projects in these areas.
Additionally, sectors open to digital transformation such as textile, food, and packaging industries also have the potential for significant breakthroughs with robot technology government support.