Since innovation and foreign direct investments (FDI) have an important place in the economic and commercial development of countries, it is inevitable to examine the impact of these variables on exports. This study aims to examine the impact of innovation and FDI on exports. In this Turkey-specific study, annual data for the period 1996-2022 are used and ARDL analysis is utilized to examine the relationship between variables. Within the scope of the analysis, exports were used as the dependent variable, while R&D expenditures and FDI inflows were used as independent variables to represent innovation activities. The analysis reveals that there is a long-run cointegrated relationship between the variables and all diagnostic tests are unproblematic. In addition, it is concluded that the effect of R&D expenditures and FDI on exports is positive and statistically significant. Considering the findings of the study, it is concluded that Turkey should both focus on innovation-oriented production and attract foreign investment to overcome its capital shortage, which would be effective and efficient in the long run.