THE EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTION AND USAGE OF HIGH-TECH GOODS TO THE WELFARE OF A COUNTRY: COMPARISON OF FINLAND AND TURKEY

Abstract

After the industrial revolution there have been important transformations in every country and the economy of the world. However, some countries carried out rapid industrial development while others are still struggling with economic problems and trying to catch up with developed countries. This study is of a country like Turkey, faces numerous economic and social problems as it tries to catch up with its competitors and reach the level of a welfare society. The paper considers Turkey in relation to a country like Finland, one of the most competitive nations, with a hi-tech economy and a highly educated society. The aim is to carry out an international comparison of Turkey and Finland, to find out the importance, effect and change of welfare, especially social welfare, of using high technology goods and services both in a developed and developing country. To be able to show and compare two countries in different respects, the focus will be on some particular goods that are important evidence of an information society, such as usage of mobile phones, personal computers and access to the Internet. The reason of carrying out a comparative study and choosing Finland is the Finnish level of technological development, production and adaptation of high technology so that Finland can be placed as a model for Turkey. Also, Finland is known as one of the best welfare states and a good representative of “Nordic Welfare System”.