Technology Parks in Turkey : A Gateway to Innovation
Technoparks in Turkey serve as a dynamic bridge between
academia, industry, and government, fostering an environment ripe
for innovation and technological advancement. These specialized
zones are designed to encourage the growth of technology-based
companies by providing a supportive infrastructure, access to
research, and a network of industry experts. This article delves
into the concept of Technoparks in Turkey, highlighting their key
benefits and their role in driving the country’s economic and
technological progress.
Table of Contents
What are Technoparks?
Technoparks, also known as technology development zones, are
areas designated to support high-tech businesses and startups,
particularly those involved in research and development (R&D).
Located near universities and research institutions, Technoparks in
Turkey provide companies with access to academic resources, skilled
talent, and the latest technological advancements. These parks are
crucial in helping Turkey transition to a knowledge-based
economy.
Technology Parks in Turkey
Key Benefits of Technoparks in Turkey
- Tax & Social Security Premium Incentives
One of the most attractive benefits of operating within a
Technopark in Turkey is the range of tax incentives offered.
Companies enjoy significant tax breaks, including:
- Income Tax Exemption: One of the significant
benefits offered by technoparks is the income tax withholding
incentive available to wage earners. The income tax calculated on
the wages of R&D, Design, and Support Personnel employed in
technoparks is exempted . This incentive applies to various roles
such as managers, technical staff, laboratory technicians,
secretaries, workers, and other similar personnel involved in
R&D or design activities or directly related to these
functions.The allowable number of Support Personnel benefiting from
this incentive is capped at 10% of the total R&D/Design staff.
However, for companies with a total R&D/Design workforce of up
to 15 employees, this percentage increases to 20%. - Stamp Tax Exemption:The wage slips issued for
R&D, Design, and Support Personnel working in Technoparks,
reflecting the wages they earn specifically for their duties within
this region, are exempt from stamp duty . - Corporate Income Tax Exemption: The income
obtained from R&D, Software and Design activities of companies
subject to corporate tax operating in technoparks are exempt from
corporate tax. - VAT Exemption: According to the Turkish VAT
Law; The delivery of the following services, software and
applications produced by companies and entrepreneurs operating in
Technoparks are exempt from VAT:
- System Management,
- Data Management,
- Business Applications,
- Sectoral Applications,
- Game Applications & Software,
- Mobile Applications,
- Military Command Control Application Software In
addition, VAT exemption is applied to technopark companies
for “machinery and equipment” purchases.
- Customs Duty Exemption: Article imported
related to R&D, Innovation, Software and Design projects
carried out in Technoparks are exempt from customs duty and stamp
duty. - Social Security Premium Support: Half of the
employer’s share of the insurance premium calculated on the
wages of employees of companies operating in technoparks is within
the scope of the insurance premium incentive. - Employment Supports:Employed in Technopark
companies that employ R&D personnel with at least a
bachelor’s degree in
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology or a doctorate in any field, is subject to incentives
for a period of 2 years for the monthly wage paid to each of these
personnel, equal to the monthly gross amount of the minimum wage
applied for that year.
- Income Tax Exemption: One of the significant
- Access to a Skilled Workforce Technoparks are
strategically located near universities, allowing companies to
collaborate closely with academic institutions. This proximity
facilitates the recruitment of highly skilled graduates and
researchers, who contribute to the innovative capacity of these
businesses. - Networking and Collaboration Opportunities The
Technopark environment is designed to encourage collaboration
between companies, research institutions, and government bodies.
Regular networking events, workshops, and seminars provide
opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint ventures, and
partnerships, fostering a culture of innovation. - Funding and Grants Companies operating within
Technoparks may be eligible for various funding opportunities,
including government grants and incentives. These funds are often
aimed at supporting R&D activities, helping businesses to
innovate and scale more effectively. - R&D Support Technoparks offer a conducive
environment for research and development, with access to
state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and research centers.
This infrastructure is vital for companies engaged in cutting-edge
technological developments. - International Collaboration Many Technoparks
in Turkey have established partnerships with international
organizations, providing companies with opportunities for global
collaboration. This international dimension not only facilitates
the exchange of knowledge and technology but also helps Turkish
companies to expand into global markets. - Incubation and Acceleration Programs Startups
and early-stage companies benefit from incubation and acceleration
programs offered within Technoparks. These programs provide
mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance, helping startups to
overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth. - Advantages for Foreign Investors:Foreign
investors in Technoparks benefit from more flexible and
advantageous investment conditions compared to other regions in
Turkey.Foreign capital inflows are carried out in an environment
where bureaucratic procedures are kept to a minimum.
Leading Technoparks in Turkey
Technoparks in Turkey play a vital role in fostering innovation,
research, and development, significantly contributing to the
country’s technological and economic growth. These hubs provide
a platform for collaboration between universities, research
institutions, and industries. Here are some of the leading
technoparks in Turkey:
- İTÜ ARI Teknokent (Istanbul):
Located within Istanbul Technical University, İTÜ ARI
Teknokent is one of Turkey’s largest and most prestigious
technoparks. It hosts companies from various sectors, including
information technology, electronics, energy, and defense, offering
a dynamic environment for research and development. - ODTÜ Teknokent (Ankara): Situated on the
campus of Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), ODTÜ
Teknokent is one of Turkey’s oldest and largest technoparks. It
supports a wide range of industries, such as defense, IT, energy,
and healthcare, and is home to numerous high-tech companies. - Teknopark Istanbul (Istanbul): As one of
Turkey’s largest technopark projects, Teknopark Istanbul
focuses on strategic sectors like defense, aviation, aerospace,
maritime, biotechnology, and energy. It provides a robust ecosystem
for companies engaged in cutting-edge research and
development. - TÜBİTAK Marmara Teknokent (Kocaeli)
Located in Kocaeli, this technopark offers strong infrastructure
for companies, especially in the fields of industry and technology.
It hosts firms from sectors such as chemistry, electronics,
automotive, and IT, providing a conducive environment for
innovation. - Bilkent Cyberpark (Ankara): Founded by Bilkent
University, Cyberpark is home to numerous domestic and
international companies specializing in IT, software, electronics,
and healthcare. It also supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem with
various programs and initiatives. - Ege Technopark (Izmir): Located on the campus
of Ege University, Ege Technopark focuses on innovative projects in
agriculture, food, biotechnology, and healthcare. It offers a
collaborative environment for research and development in these
critical sectors. - Hacettepe Technopark (Ankara): As part of
Hacettepe University, this technopark is dedicated to supporting
companies in the fields of healthcare, biotechnology, IT, and
engineering. It serves as a central hub for R&D activities,
particularly in the health sector.
These technoparks are crucial in enhancing Turkey’s R&D
capacity, facilitating technology transfer, promoting innovation,
and supporting new ventures. They play a key role in integrating
Turkish companies into the global competitive landscape, thereby
adding significant value to the national economy.
Main Fields of Activity in Technoparks in Turkey
Technoparks in Turkey are dynamic hubs that foster collaboration
between universities, research institutions, and industries,
promoting the development of innovative projects and supporting
technology-focused entrepreneurship. The main fields of activity in
these technoparks include:
- Software and Information Technology: One of
the most prevalent fields in technoparks is software development
and information technology. This includes software engineering,
data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud
computing, which are core areas of focus for companies operating in
technoparks. - Biotechnology and Health: Biotechnology,
genetic research, pharmaceutical development, and medical devices
are key sectors in technoparks. These fields often involve
collaborations with universities to accelerate medical research and
development processes, leading to innovative health solutions. - Defense and Aerospace: Technoparks in Turkey
play a crucial role in the defense and aerospace industries,
hosting companies that work on advanced defense systems, unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs), and space technologies. These activities
are vital for the country’s strategic technological
advancements. - Energy and Environmental Technologies:
Innovations in energy efficiency, renewable energy sources,
eco-friendly technologies, and waste management are major focuses
within technoparks. Projects in these areas contribute to
Turkey’s energy independence and environmental sustainability
efforts. - Nanotechnology and Materials Science: Research
and development in nanotechnology, advanced materials, and
composites are significant areas within technoparks. These
activities support the development of innovative products in
sectors such as electronics, automotive, construction, and
medicine. - Agricultural Technologies and Food: In the
agriculture and food sectors, technoparks drive innovation in smart
farming, precision agriculture technologies, biotechnology, and
food safety. These activities are crucial for the modernization of
agriculture and sustainable food production. - Mechatronics and Robotics: Mechatronic
systems, automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 applications are
important areas of development in technoparks. These fields are
critical for the digitalization and automation of manufacturing
processes.
The main fields of activity in Turkey’s technoparks
significantly enhance the country’s R&D capabilities,
boosting its global competitiveness and technological innovation.
Technoparks provide an ideal environment for the commercialization
of innovative ideas and the rapid introduction of new technologies
to the market.
Take Your Place in Turkey’s Technology Parks
Startups and projects seeking entry into technoparks are
evaluated based on their R&D potential, commercial viability,
innovative value, and the profile of the entrepreneur or
company.
To be part of a technopark, startups must actively engage in
R&D activities involving advanced technologies or demonstrate
the capacity to undertake such projects.
Startups with accepted preliminary applications and completed
main application files are assessed by an expert Arbitration Board
following international standards.
Setup your Company in Turkey’s Technoparks
Startups that pass the evaluation successfully can apply to the
Technopark management for space allocation. If an appropriate area
is available, the management approves the request, and the company
establishment process begins. The entry into the technopark is
finalized with the completion of the company setup.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
