As a main impetus of economic and social development, the process that transforms knowledge into output determines our power in international competitiveness. The path to access more added-value outcomes with fewer resources can be realised through investments in R&D and innovation. Societies that have invested in R&D and innovation have steered the global economy. Countries that have managed to constitute the public and private sectors, universities and industry ecosystems through the use of science and technology have had the biggest share in commerce.

We, as citizens of a country that strives to be one of the 10 largest economies in the world, should increase the share of R&D, innovation and design in the production and exportation processes. Considering this scope, Marmara Basin, where Bursa is located as a centre, is the area in which high-tech industry and added-value productions are the highest. Bursa has already attained its objective with $4 per kilogram on average for exportation. Given the intense competitiveness that exists worldwide, our geographic location has a need for innovative approaches that will cause our country to become a high technology station.

The work carried out by ULUTEK, which was established with the goal of being a Technopark to equip industry and society with relevant knowledge and information, is of vital importance. As an umbrella organization of Bursa’s business world, the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO), in line with our aims, sets out to integrate into the city economy through our collaborative work with Uludag University, which follows the ‘3rd Generation University’ as a model. The added- value that the Technopark produced has rapidly increased. The exportation in the area has surpassed 10 million dollars in a significantly short time.

With our vision, we aim to have a more effective status with our geographical area to support our projects at the highest level based on R&D and innovation transformation processes. In addition to the business incubators that support the newly-established companies in an intensely competitive setting, our area, which provides more than 120 companies with services, is being prepared to reach a size of 480 decares. Thus, our Bursa business will have the opportunity to benefit more from the advantages that we offer our Technopark with further R&D and innovation investments. I thank all of our strategic partners for their valuable collaboration because I am confident that the developments regarding the production infrastructures that are based on technology will contribute to the future goals of our city and country.

İbrahim BURKAY
BTSO Chairman of the Board
ULUTEK Technopark Chairman of the Board