Measuring the efficiency of organized industrial zones with data envelopment analysis models

Organized Industrial zones play a crucial role in the economic development and industrialization processes of countries. In Turkey, Organized Industrial Zones (OIZs) operate in almost every province and in many districts, contributing significantly to the national economy by improving the investment climate, increasing employment, and strengthening production capacity. To ensure the sustainability and further enhancement of these contributions, it is essential to measure and evaluate the efficiency levels of Organized Industrial zones. The primary aim of this study is to assess the efficiency of Organized Industrial zones and to identify reference points that can guide the improvement of inefficient units. In the analysis, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a widely used method for evaluating the performance of decision-making units, was employed. The CCR model was applied using variables such as Organized Industrial zones area, total number of parcels, electricity consumption, number of production parcels, and total employment. The initial findings revealed that several Organized Industrial zones were deemed efficient. However, in order to distinguish among the efficient Organized Industrial zones and to obtain a unique ranking, both super-efficiency and cross-efficiency models were additionally utilized. According to the super-efficiency results, the highest score was achieved by Ostim Organized Industrial zones, while in terms of cross-efficiency scores, Erzurum Central I Organized Industrial zones ranked the highest. Furthermore, a reference set was established to determine from which efficient Organized Industrial zones and to what extent the inefficient Organized Industrial zones could benefit. This finding not only provides a performance enhancement roadmap for inefficient Organized Industrial zones but also indicates that the frequently referenced Organized Industrial zones serve as "role models" within the system. The results of the study are expected to contribute to the development of strategies aimed at "improving the productivity levels of Organized Industrial zones.