R&D Becomes a Requirement for Companies

R&D Has Become Essential for Companies Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Chairman of the Board of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), stated: "Scientific Research and Development projects were previously a choice for companies and a competitive advantage over other firms. In the current period we are living through, they have now become essential for company sustainability and competitive advantage." Prof. Dr. Mandal met with industrialists at the Seyhan Hall of Adana Organized Industrial Zone (AOSB). Mandal subsequently participated in the R&D/Design Centers Advisory Board meeting, which was established to promote R&D/Design culture, strengthen cooperation, exchange views on the emergence of new ideas, and increase the number of prominent projects in the region.

Attention drawn to the importance of R&D work

After receiving information on services provided to industrialists through the Project Support Office, University-Industry and Public cooperation, and AOSB's Green Transition work, Mandal was subsequently hosted by AOSB with Board Chairman Bekir Sütcü, board members Yusuf Kara, Selahattin Onatça and Nedim Büyüknacar, Çukurova University Rector Prof. Dr. Meryem Tuncel, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Tümay, Project Support Office Coordinator Associate Prof. Dr. Tuğçe Demirdelen, and industrialists. Following the discussions, TÜBİTAK Chairman Hasan Mandal made an assessment, drawing attention to the importance of R&D work and stating: "Scientific Research and Development projects were previously a choice for companies and a competitive advantage over other firms. In the current period we are living through, they have now become essential for company sustainability and competitive advantage. In other words, R&D was previously a choice for companies, now it is a necessity."

AOSB's Green Industrial Zone mission

Continuing his remarks by citing AOSB as an example, Hasan Mandal said: "For instance, Adana Organized Industrial Zone is adopting a Green Industrial Zone mission and leading its industrialists in this regard. Moreover, it is cooperating with universities and public institutions. Because within the scope of the Green Deal, the goal of 'zero emissions' must be achieved by 2053. To reach AOSB's ambitious target, it is very important to bring together universities that produce knowledge with industrial establishments that use knowledge. In Adana, we have two distinguished universities: Çukurova University and ATÜ Science and Technology University. The relationship and communication of both universities with AOSB are very valuable. If there is a relationship but no communication, it does not work; if there is communication but no relationship, that does not work either. Ensuring synergy is very important. At this stage, TÜBİTAK's resources are functioning not so much as an incentive, but as a tool and lever for transition to green transformation, green economy, and green development."