Impact of development agencies on regional development: The case of Trakya Development Agency

As development inequality levels may vary from region to region, many countries suffering from this problem have established regional development agencies to minimize these differences. Regional development agencies are established to stimulate regional economies and aim to unearth regional dynamics and transform these dynamics into economic and socio-cultural values both nationally and internationally. For this reason, agencies can attract investments and contribute to minimizing unemployment. They can also stimulate regional economies and contribute to the country's economic growth. Development Agencies fund local investors and coordinate development activities in the short term. In addition, Development Agencies act as key institutions in developing development policies and play a supporting role in the preparation of annual development plans. Undisputed, the road to national development is undergoing regional development. Local problems are often solved by regional organizations. Therefore, the establishment of regional development is a very important step in national development. Development agencies are brand new institutions that play an important role in the establishment of regional development. The aim of this study is to examine and evaluate the activities and experiences of the TR21 Thrace Development Agency and to find out what contributions are made to the local economy by providing the results presented for the region.