Economic development and the state: Industrial upgrading policies in Turkey, the case of Manisa

In the field of policy analysis, neoinstitutionalism suggests that state pursues policies through mediating contradictory benefits for common good of all social groups. Contrarily, I will argue from the field research in Manisa and policy document analysis that short-term benefits of certain groups, mostly capital groups, are determinant on state policies, and state does not prioritize industrial upgrading policies over other sectors like housing, finance, energy. If there is urgent need in industry, state makes necessary intervention occasionally. Besides, while there is absolute shift towards participation and subsidiarity mechanisms, Turkey's preexisting infrastructural and cultural dynamics challenges the efficiency of policies.