Turkey’s latest research policies and achievements were presented at the Turkish R&D Day, organised by the Turkish Research and Business Organisations (TuR&Bo) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) at the European Parliament on 29th January, 2009. The seminar was attended by over 200 participants, representing both European and Turkish R&D authorities and researchers.

Prof. Mehmet AYDIN, Turkish Minister of State in charge of Science, Technology and Information, Janez POTOCNIK, European Commissioner for Science and Research, Prof. Nüket YETİŞ, President of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), MEP Mr. Vittorio PRODI, member of ALDE Group and Halim METE, Vice President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, delivered opening statements at the Turkish R&D Day.

“Our commitment and the pace we have sustained in the recent years is converting Turkey into a global attraction center for R&D activities, offering European partners interesting opportunities and incentives, such as public funds for R&D performed in Turkey advantages like R&D tax incentives, allowances to private R&D centers and other incentives for investors and companies to invest in R&D in Turkey” said Minister AYDIN at his opening speech. Minister AYDIN also called on the EU to extend free movement of researchers within the European Research Area to the Turkish citizens. Both steps are aimed at promoting ever closer cooperation between Turkey and the European Union and helping to boost Europe’s competitiveness in times of economic crisis.

“Turkey is successfully participating in all the FP7 thematic areas, has been very successful in obtaining Marie-Curie grants and is firmly entrenched in international cooperation instruments - such as Inco.net - on research coordination… This cooperation takes place over a wide range of subjects, often in areas which could help Turkey’s further integration into our European Research Area (ERA).” said Commissioner Janez POTOCNIK.

“Turkey is ready to take part in the restructuring of the European Research Area and make contributions to the ERA Vision 2020 and beyond.” said Prof. Nüket YETİIŞ, President of TÜBİTAK. “Considering the exciting developments, coupled with the improved mechanisms for public funding of R&D, research infrastructures, qualified R&D human resource capacity, traditionally strong science and engineering degree programs, we are pushing forward the step to introduce Turkey’s research potential in to the heart of Europe.” she added.

“I’m convinced that Turkey’s participation to EU R&D programmes and exchanges in the scientific field must be intensified. Research is only one of the many aspects for a partnership between Turkey and EU: Turkey’s geo-strategic position gives that country a vital role in the stability of the whole region. The R&D day is just a small step on the raod of Turkey’s full membership in the EU. Europe needs Turkey, Turkey needs Europe and the world peace needs them both working together” added MEP. Vittorio PRODI, Member of ALDE Group.

Following the opening session, leading European and Turkish R&D authorities and researchers have delivered speeches and presentations in the “R&D for Future Growth” panel, chaired by Prof. Peter NIJKAMP and “EU-Turkey R&D Collaboration Experiences” panel, chaired by Prof. Ahmet ADEMOĞLU.