Design Criteria of Technology Development Zones a Case Study in Izmir Technology Development Zone

Abstract

Technology and information make up the most important means of strength in today.s competition for world leadership in economy and politics. With know-how in production, countries obtain a hedge in competition.The concept of .Science Park., .Research Park. or .Technopark. represents different meanings for the organizing committees and managers, and the size and requirements of countries. Whatever the meaning, contrary to .Industrial Parks. or .Free Zones., .Technology Development Zones. carries a totally different definition, with its high value contribution to the national economy through Research and Development (R&D), and supports universities in education and research facilities and rapid knowledge transfer to industry.Despite its economic instability, Turkey has obtained a strong position in the world economy as a developing country. The global economic scenario and Turkey's industrial development show an increase in the R&D functions within firms that want to achieve a competitive position in global markets as well as in the requirement for innovative developments. Technology Development Zones have an attribute that provides an effective platform for interaction between universities and industrial organizations.The aim of this research is to determine design principles of Technology Development Zones defined with The Law numbered 4691, by a contemporary point of view; and to design Izmir Technology Development Zone with respect to these principles.For this purpose, the subject was approached from two different points of view: one being the definitions and legal differences in understanding and defining the concept, the other being requirements and capacities that are being investigated by surveying the existing examples. Although, the case-study area effects national economy in general, more emphasis will be given on industry- university relationship in Izmir because of its location, a pre-research investigating the site on all viewpoints was done for utilizing the site.s potential in max level.