The “Fikir Sofrası” event, organized by Sakarya University of Applied Sciences (SUBÜ), was held under the theme “Enhancing Sakarya’s Export Performance.” The event brought together discussions on a wide range of topics, including the 7+1 Education Model and qualified workforce, high-tech product exports, customs efficiency, logistics opportunities, e-export, digital marketing, academics’ role in the business world, and ethics in trade.
The event took place at the university premises, with participation from prominent figures including SUBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sarıbıyık, Provincial Director of Trade Emre Atmaca, President of the Sakarya Machinery Manufacturers Association (SAMİB) Turgay Çelik, Deputy General Manager of Aydın Industry Murat Zengin, Chairman of Kesin Makine Nihat Cinoğlu, Chairman of Karasu Mermer Özgür Karakaş, Dean of SUBÜ Faculty of Applied Sciences Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen, Director of SUBÜ Technology Transfer Office Prof. Dr. Murat Çankaya, and Faculty Vice Deans Dr. Mustafa Yılmaz and Dr. Kadir Üçay.
Event Highlights
SAMİB President Turgay Çelik emphasized that university-industry relations have improved compared to previous years, but still have room to grow. He highlighted the potential opportunities arising from the East Marmara Machinery Manufacturers Specialized Organized Industrial Zone in Kaynarca and their expected contribution to the city’s export performance through high-tech product manufacturing. Murat Zengin, Deputy General Manager of Aydın Industry, noted Sakarya’s annual export growth and expressed the need for a more efficient customs process while highlighting high transportation costs at Karasu Port. Nihat Cinoğlu of Kesin Makine emphasized the contribution of the 7+1 Education Model in developing qualified employees for business and exports, and compared Turkey’s university-industry collaboration rates with the US (40%) and EU countries (29%), pointing out the need for improvement. Özgür Karakaş from Karasu Mermer stressed that local companies should leverage e-export and digital marketing channels effectively. Provincial Director of Trade Emre Atmaca shared that Sakarya ranked eighth in Turkey in exports in 2023 with USD 9.4 billion and mentioned ongoing improvements in customs services.
Academic Contributions
Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, stated that the faculty provides high-quality education in international trade and that graduates contribute to improving firms’ export performance. Prof. Dr. Murat Çankaya highlighted the importance of involving academics in business projects with a medium- and long-term perspective. Dr. Mustafa Yılmaz noted that platforms like Alibaba allow companies to expand internationally, suggesting Turkey could enhance exports similarly. Dr. Kadir Üçay emphasized ethical practices in trade, highlighting their role in improving reputation and gaining a competitive advantage internationally.
Contributions to Exports
SUBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sarıbıyık remarked that Fikir Sofrası meetings provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas on issues relevant to the city and university. He noted Sakarya’s potential to increase its already high export rates and emphasized the role of the +1 Education Model in producing qualified workforce. Rector Sarıbıyık also highlighted that international students act as trade ambassadors when they establish business relationships abroad, indirectly promoting imports from Turkey. He added that graduate students and academics are expected to develop theses addressing business challenges, and applied research centers are ready to support businesses in accessing critical information. Many alumni now work as engineers in high-tech companies, including Baykar, contributing directly or indirectly to Sakarya’s and Turkey’s export performance.
