Efe Erdem has been the Executive Director of MEXT Technology Center at MESS (Turkish Employers’ Association of Metal Industries) since December 2018. He led the establishment of the Technology Center from concept phase to operationalization. The Center is focusing on the digital transformation of the industry by providing companies with a comprehensive up-skilling program, technical advisory services, access to a state-of-the-art Digital Factory and an extensive ecosystem of partners including technology companies, universities, and start-ups.

At the same time, he is managing the WEF (World Economic Forum) Affiliate Center for Fourth Industrial Revolution in Turkey, which acts as a public-private collaboration platform for technology governance.

In addition, he is currently leading the ‘New Generation Industry’ Working Group at TÜSİAD (Turkish Industry & Business Association).

Prior to this, he was Head of Innovation at Ford Otosan and led all company initiatives regarding corporate entrepreneurship and open innovation. In that capacity, he was also a member of the company’s Executive Committee. Previously, he held various roles in Product Development such as Commercial Vehicles Program Management and Powertrain Systems Integration in Turkey and the UK, as well as Manufacturing Engineering. He graduated from Industrial Engineering Department of Boğaziçi University, Istanbul and holds a Master’s degree in Management Sciences from London School of Economics (LSE).