Seminar on “EU Industrial Policy and Turkiye” from the Jean Monnet Chair
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The seminar organized by our university’s Jean Monnet Chair featured important assessments on the evolution of European industrial policies, Turkiye’s industrial policies, and the transformation process of the private sector.
The seminar titled “EU Industrial Policy and Turkiye,” organized by our university’s Jean Monnet Chair for EU’s Circular Economy Policies and Sustainability (CESPEU), was held with high attendance. The seminar, moderated by Jean Monnet Chair Lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabri Öz, was attended by Prof. Dr. Dr. Franco Mosconi from the University of Parma, an expert in European industrial policies; Ali Can Toksoy, Head of the Energy and Sustainability Department at the Ministry of Industry and Technology; and Dr. Fatih Pişkin, Director of the Strategic Transformation Center at the Istanbul Chamber of Industry. The seminar, which drew significant interest from faculty members, researchers, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, as well as industry experts, examined in detail the transformation processes in industrial policies in Europe and Turkiye.
GREEN AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN EUROPEAN INDUSTRIAL POLICIES
Prof. Dr. Franco Mosconi, a faculty member at the University of Parma, comprehensively assessed the evolution of Europe’s industrial policies and their future direction. Mosconi stated that the “Integrated Approach,” which focused on strategic sectors between 2002 and 2014, expanded to encompass all sectors with the “Holistic Approach” between 2014 and 2017. He added that the concepts of “Green and Digital Transformation” came to the fore between 2019 and 2025. Mosconi emphasized that Europe has shaped its industrial policies in line with its goals of strengthening strategic autonomy and increasing global competitiveness during this process, noting that the 2024 Draghi Report presents three key strategies centered on innovation, decarbonization, and security. Mosconi stated that knowledge-based investments and international collaborations will become increasingly important in the future of industrial policies, adding that technology and sustainability will be at the heart of industrial policies.
TURKIYE’S INDUSTRIAL POLICY: CIRCULARITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Ali Can Toksoy, Head of the Energy and Sustainability Department at the Ministry of Industry and Technology, addressed Turkiye’s industrial policy within the framework of its goals to increase competitiveness, encourage domestic production, and achieve a strong position in global value chains. Toksoy stated that Turkiye’s 12th Development Plan and Medium-Term Program focus on green and digital transformation, emphasizing that low-carbon technologies and resource efficiency are prioritized in this process. Turkiye stated that its Green Deal Action Plan, prepared as part of its process of aligning with the European Green Deal, contributes to reducing carbon emissions in industry and accelerating the green transformation process. Toksoy stated that supporting technological innovation, the circular economy, and environmentally friendly production processes plays a critical role in enhancing the sustainability of industry. He also stated that incentive and support mechanisms aimed at reducing dependence on foreign energy and raw materials and accelerating the green transformation process in industry have been put into effect.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S VIEW ON INDUSTRY AND RELATIONS WITH THE EU
Dr. Fatih Pişkin, Director of the Istanbul Chamber of Industry Strategic Transformation Center, assessed the private sector’s perspective on industrial policies in Turkiye and its relations with the European Union. Addressing the effects of global economic uncertainties on Turkish industry, Dr. Pişkin stated that Turkey needs to increase its competitiveness due to its low technology intensity in industry. Dr. Pişkin stated that the Istanbul Chamber of Industry contributes to the industry’s adaptation to global trends through its Strategic Transformation Center, adding that it is becoming increasingly important for industrialists to adapt to digital and green transformation. Within the framework of Turkiye-EU relations, Dr. Pişkin stated that the updating of the Customs Union, border carbon regulation, and sustainability issues have come to the fore, emphasizing that the private sector should take on a more active role in this process.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN INDUSTRIAL POLICIES
The closing remarks of the seminar were delivered by Prof. Dr. Betül Gür, Chair of the Jean Monnet Chair, which organized the event. Emphasizing that industrial policies should be shaped around green and digital transformation, Prof. Dr. Gür highlighted the importance of raising awareness in the fields of sustainability and the circular economy. She stated that the Jean Monnet Chair will continue to organize activities in this area and concluded the seminar by thanking all participants.
THE JEAN MONNET CHAIR WILL CONTINUE ITS ACTIVITIES
It was stated that, as part of the Jean Monnet Chair, new events will continue to be organized in which topics such as industrial policies, digital transformation, and green transformation will be addressed comprehensively.
