Smart Specialization and R&I Policy Framework in Turkey

Introduction

This chapter attempts to analyse the regional innovation strategies of Turkish regions in the context of smart specialisation policies. OECD treats smart specialisation as an industrial and innovation framework for regional economies targeting to demonstrate how public policies, framework conditions, but especially R&D and innovation investment policies can influence economic, scientific and technological specialisation of a region and, thus, its productivity, competitiveness and economic growth path (OECD, 2012). Moreover, it becomes a significant element of EU Cohesion policy for the programing period 2014-2020. The most important attempt for reaching the targets of this policy is the publication of “Guide to Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) (Foray et al., 2012)” as a methodological guide for policy maker and implementing agencies. Through the efforts aimed at EU acquis harmonization in the field of regional strategies, the concept becomes popular in the agenda of Turkish regions.