Mastercard has shared the Turkey findings of its Dreamonomics research, which examines how SMEs view success and the future of their businesses. Published under Dreamonomics — Mastercard’s research and insights platform for SMEs — the report looks at businesses’ growth targets and the support they need to achieve them.
In Turkey, 75% of SMEs prioritize predictability in their business, compared to 68% in the global research. 69% of SMEs are excited about the opportunities AI offers, while 82% consider it critical that the tools they use in their business work in a compatible and integrated way. Protection against cyber threats stands out as an important priority for 79% of SMEs.
Turkey findings of the Dreamonomics research
Stability and predictability come to the fore: In Turkey, 75% of SMEs say they prioritize predictability in their business in order to feel confident about a stable future, compared to 68% in the global research. 52% of respondents say they avoid taking risks in business in order to make their financial situation more predictable.
Interest in business-specific financial solutions is high: 91% of SMEs in Turkey that currently use personal credit cards for business purposes say they are interested in switching to commercial cards designed specifically for their businesses — reflecting a strong need among businesses to better manage their financial processes and separate business expenses from personal ones.
Strong customer relationships matter as much as reaching a broad audience: 51% of SMEs in Turkey prefer building deep relationships with their customers even if it means reaching a more limited customer base.
Cybersecurity supports growth: 79% of SMEs in Turkey consider protecting their business from cyber threats an important priority, compared to 71% in the global research. However, only 40% use cybersecurity tools such as antivirus software and firewalls.
Interest in AI is high: 69% of SMEs in Turkey are excited about the new possibilities AI offers for their business. Interest in AI-powered fraud prevention and security solutions is recorded at 36%.
Integrated digital tools are needed: 82% of SMEs in Turkey consider it critical that the tools they use in their business work in a compatible and integrated way, compared to 78% in the global research.
Mastercard Turkey and Azerbaijan General Manager Onur Faydacı commented on the findings: “When we look at the priorities of SMEs in Turkey, we see that the desire for growth goes hand in hand with a strong need for confidence and predictability. While businesses are capturing the opportunities offered by AI and integrated digital tools, they also see cybersecurity and the management of financial processes as fundamental elements of growth. This picture shows that SMEs do not view technology merely as a tool, but as one of the core components of a more resilient and sustainable business structure. We believe in the role of technology, trust, and partnerships in unlocking the potential of businesses. We continue to offer solutions and insights that support SME growth, help them protect against risks, and strengthen their payment processes.”
About the research
The quantitative phase of the research, conducted by Hypothesis on behalf of Mastercard, was carried out between February 23 and April 1, 2026 across 18 markets including Turkey. A total of 6,615 business owners, founders, and senior decision-makers from businesses with fewer than 250 employees participated in the online survey.
