The structure and functioning of development agencies in Turkey

In this study, the structure and functioning of development agencies were researched; Ankara, Çukurova and Northeastern Anatolia Development Agencies, taken as a sample case, were investigated in terms of their type of activities fulfilled after their establishment. The aim of the study is to observe what the development agencies which are the sources of cut and thrust during and after their establishment phase can accomplish, to what extent they manage to gather the actors of the region up for clearing the differences of interregional level of development and to monitor the extent to which they become known in Turkey today.The experience of the development agencies of Turkey takes its roots from the beginnings of 1990?s. From this period to 2006, some organizations suchlike development agencies were established; however, many of these fell behind because of various reasons and couldn?t be institutionalized in spite of their significant effects at regional level. In pursuance of the requirements of European Union process, in accordance with the Law no 5449 entered into force in 2006 in Turkey on the Establishment, Coordination and Function of Development Agencies, Development Agencies were founded. At the first stage, one was established in two pilot areas (Çukurova-İzmir) and then the works on the development agency came to a halt after a judicial process. With the cease of this judicial process, in 26 region, Development Agencies were established on the basis of classification of statistical regional units.Today, Development Agencies in Turkey have brought dynamism in their regions where they support many projects financially and technically in many fields from SME (small and medium sized enterprises) to tourism, from rural development to technology and from education to culture. They give these supports in compliance with the regional plan and working programs. Another significant action of the agencies is preparing regional plan. The agencies were assigned by the Ministry of Development for the regional plans that were prepared by the center in the past years for the gaining of functionality of the development agencies. This is also vital for determining the necessities of the region on the spot.Key Words1-Development Agency2-European Union3-Financial Support4-Regional Plan5-Ankara-Çukurova-Northeastern Anatolia