The “Fikir Sofrası” organized by SUBÜ was held under the theme “Enhancing Sakarya’s Export Performance.” During the event, topics such as qualified employment through the +1 Education Model, high-tech product exports, the functionality of customs, logistics opportunities, e-export, digital marketing, the involvement of academics in the business world, and ethics in trade were discussed.
Hosted by Sakarya University of Applied Sciences (SUBÜ), the event took place at the university lounge and was attended by SUBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sarıbıyık, Provincial Trade Director Emre Atmaca, President of the Sakarya Machinery Manufacturers Association (SAMİB) Board Turgay Çelik, Deputy General Manager of Aydın Industry Murat Zengin, Chairman of Kesin Makine Board Nihat Cinoğlu, Chairman of Karasu Marble Board Özgür Karakaş, SUBÜ Faculty of Applied Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen, Director of SUBÜ Technology Transfer Office Prof. Dr. Murat Çankaya, and Vice Deans Dr. Mustafa Yılmaz and Dr. Kadir Üçay.
Event Highlights
Turgay Çelik emphasized that university-industry relations have improved compared to previous years but still need further development. He highlighted that the completion of the East Marmara Machinery Manufacturers Specialized Organized Industrial Zone in Kaynarca would create significant opportunities and positively impact the city’s export performance, particularly for high-tech product companies. Murat Zengin noted that export rates are increasing annually and expressed the need for a more efficient Sakarya customs, highlighting that shipping costs at Karasu Port are higher than other ports. Nihat Cinoğlu stated that the +1 Education Model contributes to producing qualified employees and enhancing exports, while noting that university contributions to industry remain low in Turkey compared to the U.S. and EU. Özgür Karakaş emphasized the importance of Sakarya companies adopting e-export strategies and mastering digital marketing channels. Emre Atmaca shared that Sakarya ranked 8th in Turkey in exports in 2023 with 9.4 billion USD and stressed improvements in customs processes and the need to increase customs consultancy services.
Academic Contributions
Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen highlighted that the Faculty of Applied Sciences focuses on foreign trade, providing quality education and contributing to companies’ export performance, while academics support firms in various areas. Prof. Dr. Murat Çankaya encouraged business leaders to involve academics in their enterprises for mid- and long-term strategic development. Dr. Mustafa Yılmaz noted that platforms like Alibaba enable companies to reach international markets, which Turkey could leverage to increase exports. Dr. Kadir Üçay stressed the importance of ethical practices in trade for sustainable business operations, enhancing reputation and competitiveness.
SUBÜ Rector’s Remarks
SUBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sarıbıyık emphasized that Sakarya has high export potential. He highlighted the +1 Education Model as a tool to prepare qualified professionals while also sending international students to gain business experience abroad, effectively creating trade ambassadors. He noted that graduate students and academics are expected to produce research and theses that provide solutions to business challenges, contributing positively to high-quality production and exports. He concluded that SUBÜ’s application and research centers are ready to support the business sector with necessary data, and many alumni work in high-tech firms such as Baykar, thereby contributing directly or indirectly to the city’s and country’s export performance.
