The role of investment environment in regional development: Siirt example

Regional development is of critical importance in reducing development differences between different geographical areas, strengthening the economic and social structure and building a sustainable development process. In this context, the qualitative characteristics of the investment climate emerge as a decisive tool in directing regional economies. This study, prepared on the basis of literature review, examines the relationship between investment climate and regional development in depth, examines the subject with its theoretical foundations and offers practical implications. In the first stage, the concept of regional development, its historical evolution, theoretical approaches and measurement methods are discussed and the multidimensional structure of development is revealed. Then, the concept of investment, the factors affecting the investment climate and the transformation of the investment climate in Turkey are examined; thus, the necessary conceptual framework is established to understand the interaction between regional development and investments. Based on this theoretical basis, the impact of local conditions, socioeconomic structure, human capital, infrastructure and institutional arrangements on investments is evaluated through an analysis specifically conducted for Siirt province. The literature highlights the potential of investments to create jobs, provide economic diversification, strengthen the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, improve the quality of life and support socio-cultural transformation. The results provide an opportunity to develop strategic recommendations for policy makers at national and regional levels. Education and workforce development programs, support for the entrepreneurship ecosystem, acceleration of infrastructure investments, public-private partnerships, strengthening coordination between local actors and dissemination of sustainability-oriented policies have been identified as the fundamental steps that will carry the development process of regions to a more stable and inclusive structure. In addition, future research focusing on sectoral specialization, human capital transformation, innovation ecosystem performance, public-private partnership effectiveness and regional-level outcomes of green development strategies can provide stronger evidence to the literature and practice. In general, the contribution of this study is to explain the role of investment climate in regional development from a multidimensional perspective and to provide policy makers, practitioners and researchers with a holistic, evidence-based perspective. Thus, relevant policies and strategies can be implemented more effectively, efficiently and sustainably and tangible progress can be made towards regional development. Key Words: Regional development, Investment environment, Human capital, Sustainability, Entrepreneurial ecosystem