The role of regional development agencies in regional endogenous growth: The case of South Aegean Development Agency

This thesis titled "The Role of Regional Development Agencies in Regional Endogenous Growth: The Case of South Aegean Development Agency" aims to analyze the role and contributions of regional development agencies in Turkey to regional endogenous growth processes and to examine the role played by the South Aegean Development Agency in regional development. In the study, the existing literature on regional endogenous growth has been examined in depth. The theoretical foundation of the thesis was established and the conceptual framework was developed by reviewing various sources, including national and international resources, academic articles, reports, and agency publications. Economic indicators were examined to measure the contribution of the agency's projects to the local economy. A case study approach was adopted to investigate the role of regional development agencies in promoting endogenous growth through regional planning. Data were collected through document analysis and observation of planning processes. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis methodology to identify themes and patterns. In line with the obtained data and analysis results, the role of the South Aegean Development Agency in regional endogenous growth was evaluated. The thesis aimed to reveal the agency's impact on supporting and promoting regional endogenous growth by focusing on the agency's regional development strategies, projects, and collaborations. Furthermore, by examining the agency's objectives, methods, and success stories, the importance of the agency's role in achieving regional endogenous growth was emphasized. The study presents conclusions and recommendations regarding the agency's achievements, challenges it has faced, and potential future projects.