TEKNOKENT NEDİR? TÜRKİYE DEKİ TEKNOKENTLER HANGİLERİDİR?

What is a Technopark? Which Technoparks Are There in Turkey?

What is a Technopark?

Technopark can be defined as a research and development area at the most basic level. Technoparks are generally created in collaboration with technical universities in our country. Public institutions and private companies that conduct R&D (Research and Development) come together and work together in this environment based on research and development. In this environment based on research and development, it is expected that technological developments, productions, and inventions will be realized more efficiently and in a short time.

Technopark and Technopark

Actually, technopark and technopark mean the same thing. These two concepts refer to development areas that house public institutions and private companies, collaborate with higher education institutions for qualified workforce training. However, different names are given to development areas in different countries worldwide. For example, in the USA, these areas are called "Research Park," while in the UK, they are called "Science Park."

What Do Technoparks Do?

Technoparks bring many advantages with them. The main function of these research areas is to accelerate technological development. A sustainable working atmosphere is created in technoparks thanks to the support and incentives provided by government institutions. At the same time, since companies of different scales are also present in technoparks, and universities are also in this area, access to qualified workforce for producers and developers becomes easier.

R&D in Technoparks

R&D, or Research and Development, is essential for technological development and innovation. Nowadays, many companies of different scales aim to accelerate technological development by attaching importance to R&D studies. Adequate resources and qualified workforce are needed for efficient R&D studies. It can be challenging for small-scale formations to reach qualified workforce and a productive development environment with their resources. Technoparks step in at this stage and provide an efficient R&D environment with the support of government support and the support of large-scale companies.

Technoparks Worldwide

There are many technoparks of different scales worldwide. Some of them are intertwined with universities, while others create their own working environments. While some work with a single higher education institution, others collaborate with more than one university. Many technological developments that are essential for daily life have emerged thanks to technoparks. Some of the technoparks, which are important worldwide and can create large brands, are as follows.

Silicon Valley

Specialized in microcomputers and microelectronics, Silicon Valley is a technopark that has become a global success, hosting advanced technological studies and being cited as an example. It is located in the USA and has connections with around 3,000 technology companies. More than 250,000 advanced technology workers operate in companies located in this region, accelerating technological developments.

Cambridge Science Park

Established in 1972 by Trinity College, this science park is one of the oldest technoparks in the UK. Cambridge Science Park, which produces on a large scale, is home to more than 2,000 advanced technology employees. Cambridge Science Park is also open to national companies that participate from outside. Unlike others, this science park also hosts companies that have proven expertise in certain subjects along with large-scale technology companies that are advanced and resource-intensive for larger scale production and development.

Aachen Technology and Innovation Center

Located in Germany and having stood out in recent years with its developments, this technopark only hosts small-scale companies. It is important that the company owner wants to establish a technology-based company to be able to work here and benefit from their support. At the same time, this company must not be older than 3 years. Another condition is that the company should not employ more than 10 workers.

Technoparks in Turkey

Thanks to investments made in technological fields in the last 30 years in Turkey, technoparks have been opened in multiple cities. There are more than 75 technoparks in our country, where you can choose and carry out your technological studies more efficiently by taking advantage of their support. Some of these are as follows:

ODTU-KOSGEB Technology Development Center
Established in 1992 in collaboration with KOSGEB and the Middle East Technical University, this technopark hosts small and medium-sized enterprises, technology-based companies. ODTÜ-KOSGEB Technopark, which continues its life with 25 different companies, facilitates the access of companies to qualified workforce and enables competent individuals who want to work in the technology field to access appropriate positions.

ITU-KOSGEB Technology Development Center
This technopark, which started to work in 1991 with the partnership of Istanbul Technical University and KOSGEB, works on 18 projects. ITU-KOSGEB Technopark, which has successfully completed 11 projects so far, continues to work with companies of different scales.

Izmir Technopark Inc.
Established in 1988 and also known as ITAS, this technopark is a dense development area where many different private and public institutions are present. ITAS, which was established in collaboration with advanced institutions and universities such as Ege University, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and Aegean Industry Chamber, works on 12 projects. It operates in areas where industry and technology are together.

Who Can Apply to Technoparks?

Who can apply to technoparks and participate in studies varies. Because different development areas in our country and the world host companies in different scales and fields. Therefore, the application requirements also vary widely. You can continue your transactions by looking at the application requirements of the technopark you want to apply for. Since these environments are very suitable and efficient for development, they are preferred by many entrepreneurs. In technoparks, you can have the chance to realize your projects and initiatives in an environment that is intertwined with R&D companies, with the support of government and private institution support.

Advantages of Technoparks

Some of the advantages of technoparks are:

• A seamless development environment is created thanks to government support.
• Students can participate in work through their universities.
• Entrepreneurs can continue to develop with the help of assistance, avoiding the competitive and intense pace of commercial fields.
• Technoparks reduce the unemployment rate in the country.
• It is very important for the development of industry.
• Companies can continue their work by paying less [tax](https://blog.mukellef.co/temel-vergiler-nelerdir/) when they join technoparks.

What Are Technopark Incentives?

One of the biggest reasons why technoparks have hosted such large-scale developments, inventions, and projects since their inception is incentives. Different types of incentives and support are provided to firms, entrepreneurs, employees, and academic staff who work in these regions. Some of these incentives are as follows.

VAT Exemption
The income obtained by entrepreneurs within Technoparks from system management, data management, business applications, and sectoral internet, mobile, military control application software is exempt from value-added tax.

Customs Duty Exemption
No customs duty is levied on materials that will be imported and used during work carried out in Technoparks.

Insurance Premium Support
Half of the insurance premium for those working in technoparks is paid by the employer, and the other half is paid by the Ministry of Finance.

Income and Corporate Tax Exemption
No income or corporate tax is levied on the income obtained from software and R&D studies of those operating in technoparks.

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