Comparative analysis and roadmap for the Turkey model within the framework of eu smart specialization strategy: Example of TRB-1 region

EU Regional Policies has a unique multinational and common legal framework that underpins the regional policy architecture in many countries. This common architecture is generally based on implementation without being guided by any country's regional policy. In this framework, smart specialization is defined as a sustainable result-oriented regional development approach that builds on the existing capabilities of the region and regional innovation systems based on knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to transform the regional economy into a more competitive and sustainable economy. This study aimed to create a model framework for Turkey within the framework of EU smart specialization. In this context of necessary capabilities for the development and implementation of the Smart Specialization Strategy in the TRB-1 Region example, the capabilities of the enterprises, which are among the stakeholders in the region were examined by semi-structured interview technique. In this study, the general situation of the region was tried to be revealed with SWOT and expert opinion analysis. The lack of necessary capabilities for smart specialization in the TRB-1 Region is due to the weak regional innovation system. The region needs a mechanism to create the regional innovation system in order to create and develop its innovation, technological, entrepreneurial and networking capabilities. The dilemmas in the innovation and smart specialization process of a country with a middle-income trap are also evident in the TRB-1 Region. With the existing resources and capabilities of the TRB-1 Region, the Smart Specialization Strategy, which is based on entrepreneurial discovery and innovation in the transition to Industry 4.0., should be developed and implemented together with the Regional Digital Innovation Hub.