A comparative analysis of the regional development agencies projects in European Union countries and Turkey

Abstract

After the World War II, the significance of the regional development has risen dramatically, and development agencies concept has been mostly used as a development model. Development agencies generally aim to provide and maintain economic, social and cultural development in their regions by supporting new ideas and projects which are overwhelmingly efficient and effective in the development process. In European Union (EU), funds in the joint pool are allocated to the projects through development agencies. Regional development agencies were established in Turkey within the framework of EU cohesion policies. Projects supported by these agencies have begun to create a concrete step for regional development. In this study, firstly, the development projects of 27 EU member states between the years 2000-2011 will be scrutinized. Secondly, a comparative analysis will be conducted within the terms of projects and sectors in partnership by analyzing the (2007-2011) term projects of 26 Turkish regional development agencies. In this study, website of Turkish regional development agencies and European Commission will be taken basis to assess an extensive evaluation for the projects of Turkey and EU. This study reveals that the approaches between EU and Turkey to development agencies are different in case of efficient fund usage, processes, conditions, and experiences. The ability and capability of EU development agencies are considerably sufficient for precise decision-making and joint projects. In the conclusion of the study, suggestions will be offered for Turkish regional development agencies in order to make a contribution for to their development.

DOI: 10.15551/lsgdc.v42i0.08