Autonomy of local governments in the context of economic development

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the autonmy of local governments and development. The beginning of the concept of development dates back the period of enlightenment when it gradually made itself emergent. The idea of enlightenment has influenced the mode of production and economy with the transformation it has brought in the scientific approach. It has been very effective in shaping the modern development understanding with its effect until today. Countries aim to raise the welfare level of citizens by using production factors properly. For this reason, the level of technical infrastructure of the country is one of the important elements that will make development faster and more effective. An important conceptual distinction draws attention in economic literature. Although the concepts of Growth and Development have been used with the assumption that they have the same meaning in each period, the concept of growth refers only to the proportional increase in Gross National Income, while development includes socio-economic progresses that arise from innovations in production and technology. The level of meeting the infrastructure needs of the regions and local units such as roads, water and electricity is an important variable to determine the development level of the region. The administrative units established to meet the common needs of a relatively small community living in a limited geography are called local governments. Autonomy in local governments has a cost-reducing effect on public services, since it is recognized that provision of services will be more efficient if the nearest local service is provided. At the same time, the economic size of the service areas in which local governments are responsible by law and have direct or indirect effects on the economy. In this study, it is aimed to draw attention to the effect of local administrations on regional development. For this purpose, the data obtained from the interview group were examined by codifying the concepts that the interviewers emphasized explicitly or implicitly. According to the findings, it has been concluded that local governments have an effective role in regional development and that empowerment in decision making about economic matters has a positive effect on development.