The Importance and Development of Technoparks in Türkiye

Abstract

The belief that science parks, the first examples of which were encountered in the 1950s, stimulate economic growth led to the spread of different forms in developed countries, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. Science parks, which have been increasing in number around the world since the 1990s and are expressed in different ways such as technopark, technopol, technology park, technology development zone, innovation park, are very important tools in ensuring cooperation between university-industry-state in the process of transforming innovative information and technologies into innovation. In addition to providing support to newly established companies in commercialization, infrastructure service, meeting with target customers and the market, obtaining patents, it also offers additional incentives and supports beyond the governmental supports. In addition, they have critical importance for the regional and national development of the regions and countries in which they operate. They help revitalize the industry in which they operate; contribute to the solution of social problems such as employment and brain drain. Science parks first emerged in Türkiye in the 2000s as Technology Development Zones, or commonly as “technoparks”. Law No. 4691 on Technology Development Zones enacted in 2001 constitutes the legal basis for technoparks. Within the scope of this law, incentive mechanisms are created for technology-based companies and innovative entrepreneurs by providing various supports and exemptions, primarily tax exemptions and infrastructure supports, to the management companies operating in technoparks. Technoparks, which support the creation of an effective entrepreneurship ecosystem and make significant contributions to Türkiye’s science and technology policies, are also very important sources of employment for Türkiye. As of February 2022, more than 7,500 companies operate in technoparks all over Türkiye and more than 78,000 personnel are employed in those firms. Technoparks, which strengthen the connections between university, industry and the public with their triple helix understanding, contribute significantly to the execution of science and technology policies within the framework of the National Technology Initiative with the infrastructure and financing opportunities they offer to companies.