The gate opening Eskişehir to the world: EU projects
İpek Polat
İsmail Öztürk, Deputy Secretary General of the Eskişehir Chamber of Industry and an EU Project Specialist, has actively taken part in more than 30 European Union projects to date. In these projects, whose total budget amounts to approximately 10 million dollars, he provided consultancy for Turkey-EU projects, participated in project management processes, took part in budget planning, and supervised the compliance of projects with EU criteria.
A first in Turkey: ESAC
ESAC (Eskişehir Aviation Cluster) is recognized as the first aviation cluster established in Turkey. With more than 50 members, the organization stands out as one of the significant initiatives contributing to Turkey’s internationalization in the aviation sector through EU funds. ESAC is also a current member of the European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP).
Öztürk described the process of making ESAC a member of EACP with the following words:
“The council did not even know that a city called Eskişehir existed. We introduced Eskişehir to them and explained its historical background in aviation. EU project funds are generally provided to regions that are developing or striving to develop. We demonstrated that Eskişehir has this potential.”
“We are not at the desired level”
Stating that Turkey has not yet reached the desired point in EU projects, Öztürk emphasized that the share received from R&D and innovation-oriented funds remains insufficient.
“Unfortunately, we are not at the level we want in terms of Brussels-based project acceptance and fund acquisition. Turkey, despite being such a dynamic country, receives a very small share from EU R&D and innovation funds with a budget of nearly 100 billion euros.”
Öztürk stated that comparing Turkey directly with all EU countries would not be realistic and that comparisons should instead be made with countries such as Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
“When we look at the countries competing in the same league as Turkey, we see that they use EU funds much more efficiently. They have particularly serious investments in the defense industry and aviation sectors.”
A new era of funding for the defense industry
Öztürk pointed out that the EU’s approach toward defense industry investments changed after the Russia-Ukraine War and underlined the growing importance of such funds.
“Until the Russia-Ukraine War, there were no major investments in the defense industry within the scope of EU projects. However, after the war, investments in this area started to increase. Turkey needs to evaluate these funds correctly.”
Lack of proper planning in project writing
Highlighting major shortcomings in project planning and writing processes in Turkey, Öztürk said that the effective use of artificial intelligence has become increasingly critical.
“Artificial intelligence has now become an inseparable part of this process. However, it cannot completely replace human creativity. Experts need to learn how to use AI efficiently.”
Eskişehir on the international stage
Öztürk stated that EU projects have contributed significantly to Eskişehir’s exports and international visibility, adding that the achievements in the World Chambers Competition are proof of this success.
“With our different projects, we reached the finals four times in the World Chambers Competition organized by the ICC. These achievements became an important indicator of the work Eskişehir carries out on the international stage.”
“The EU Is a strategic partner for Turkey”
Noting that although internal dynamics within the European Union may change, the understanding of common interests will continue, Öztürk also made evaluations regarding Turkey-EU relations.
“Even if relations within the EU change, I do not think common interests will change. Strong countries want to preserve the atmosphere of stability in Europe.”
Öztürk stated that political issues concerning Turkey’s EU membership process still continue, but emphasized that the EU process itself has brought important contributions to Turkey.
“As everyone knows, Turkey still has unresolved issues with countries such as Greece and Southern Cyprus. Considering that no member state should veto the accession process, membership seems technically very difficult. However, even the accession process itself has improved Turkey’s standards.”
Emphasizing the advantages provided by the Customs Union for Turkey, Öztürk stated that the European market will continue to maintain strategic importance for Turkey for many years.
“The EU will continue to be one of Turkey’s strategic trade partners because the European market is predictable and systematic.”
Eskisehir ın Europe 