From "Made in China" to "Made in Türkiye" in International Trade: a Systematic Literature Review of Manufacturing Power, Technological Upgrading, and Nation Branding

Abstract

The transformation of global competition from a predominantly cost-based structure towards technological capability, innovation, sustainability, and brand value has expanded the meaning of “made in” labels beyond the mere identification of a product’s country of manufacture. These labels have increasingly become strategic indicators reflecting countries’ manufacturing capabilities, technological development, quality perceptions, and positions within the global economy. China’s “Made in China 2025” initiative, introduced in 2015, aims to transform the country from a low-cost manufacturing centre into an advanced technology producer capable of influencing global value chains. In Türkiye, industrial, technological, export, and branding policies have been pursued through the National Technology Initiative, the 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy, TURQUALITY, and various export support programmes. Nevertheless, whether the “Made in Türkiye” approach has evolved into an integrated industrial and nation-branding strategy remains open to discussion. This study aims to compare the “Made in China” and “Made in Türkiye” approaches in terms of manufacturing power, technological upgrading, participation in global value chains, and nation branding. The research is designed as a systematic literature review and comparative thematic synthesis without relying on primary field data. Academic articles, book chapters, institutional reports, and policy documents in the national and international literature will be examined under the themes of industrial policy, strategic sectors, research and development, innovation, technological autonomy, digital and green transformation, upgrading in global value chains, country-of-origin perceptions, and global branding. The literature indicates that China has sought to transform its manufacturing capacity into technological superiority through economies of scale, state coordination, strategic sector selection, and technology-oriented investment policies. However, the effectiveness of this policy remains contested regarding productivity, industrial overcapacity, the efficiency of public support, and international trade tensions. The literature on Türkiye suggests that despite its strong and diversified manufacturing infrastructure, structural challenges continue to constrain the transformation of production capabilities into high-value technology, original design, and globally recognised brand value. Rather than directly comparing the economic size or export volume of the two countries, this study contributes to the literature by examining the mechanisms through which manufacturing capabilities are transformed into technology and brand value. Based on the comparative synthesis, the study proposes a transition from “Made in Türkiye” to “Branded in Türkiye” by integrating manufacturing, technology, design, sustainability, and branding policies.