The impacts of universities on urban economics: The case of Tarsus Universty

When the historical roots of universities are examined, we first encounter an institutional structure specific to the Middle Ages. The modern understanding of universities as science, teaching, and research institutions has a history of several centuries. Universities' institutional role and importance in the social structure are increasing daily. In other words, universities have three significant aspects. First, they are the most critical economic development actors due to their work in education and training. Second, they incubate research and development activities. Third, they provide value added to the entrepreneurship ecosystem regarding technical, technological, and human resources. The economic development process can be evaluated in the context of regional development and urban development. The effects of the relationship between universities, regional development, and urban development are realized in urban space. This relationship horizontally crosses many economic, cultural, social, and political areas. While universities institutionally contribute to the city's social, economic, and cultural development at various levels, university students also influence urban development with their life practices. Based on this premise, the study accepts that universities are essential to the urban economic structure. Universities' functions, duties, and responsibilities can be examined regarding many issues. In this study, the impacts of universities on urban economics are considered in terms of entrepreneurship, social contribution, education and training, and demographic characteristics.The thesis was specifically structured to function as a compelling case study, chosen as one of the most effective qualitative research methods available. Within the scope of the research, plans, programs and legislation, which are secondary data, were examined with the document analysis technique in order to explain the relationship between universities and urban economics.