Examination of tax incentives provided to R&D companies in Balıkesir Technopark with structured interview method

With the increasing interest in technology-based economy with the effect of globalization, the importance of being located in the region has increased in order to reinforce the competitive environment with the establishment of Technopolises to support entrepreneurs. In this thesis, firstly, the concepts of Technopolis, R&D concept and tax incentives are explained. Afterwards, structured interviews were conducted with R&D firms in Balıkesir Technopolis and the extent to which they benefit from tax incentives and their expectations, if any, were explained. In this direction, 10 companies out of 72 companies within the Technopolis were contacted. A survey consisting of 11 questions was conducted for these companies. Although the surveys were conducted on firms operating in different sectors, the common general result is that the firms are satisfied with being in the Technopolis and that the incentives provided contribute positively to the firms. In addition, the location of companies within the Technopolis provides a great strategic opportunity not only in terms of cost but also in accessing government-funded projects. For this reason, it seems to be a disadvantage for companies operating in various sectors to continue their activities outside the Technopolis as it will negatively affect both their financial continuity and innovation capacity in the long run. As a result, when firms consider all these advantages and disadvantages, it can be concluded that the location of their R&D activities within the Technopolis.