Sakarya University's Sakarya Center for Economic and Social Research (SESAM) was a guest on the television program "Gündem 264," broadcast on Sakarya's local channel, TV 264. During the program, the center's management discussed SESAM's vital role in Sakarya's development through its own resources, the inclusive collaboration ecosystem it has established, and its goal of attracting national and international funding to the city.
Center Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümmügülsüm Zor and Deputy Director Dr. Akın Özdemir announced to the public that SESAM's core mission is to connect the university with the city and that they play a key role in Sakarya's sustainable development.
"Becoming a City" Vision and a Coordination Bridge
Deputy Director Dr. Akın Özdemir stated that the "Becoming a City" vision, defined as "being able to say 'We are Sakarya and embrace it," forms the foundation of all the center's activities. He emphasized that this vision is only possible with strong and coordinated stakeholders. Özdemir emphasized the importance of these collaborations, stating, "Our goal is to maximize Sakarya's benefits by highlighting everyone's strengths and to establish strong collaborations."
A Bridge Between Stakeholders: All Institutions in Collaboration
Center Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümmügülsüm Zor emphasized SESAM's vision, saying, "Our center serves as a critical 'Bridge Between Stakeholders' in implementing this vision."
ZOR summarized their key focus in this context as follows: "Using the scientific and academic strength of Sakarya University, we bring together local stakeholders, including the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, all district municipalities, and all other public institutions, as well as industry, commerce, farmers, and students, to establish project-focused collaborations."
She added that as a research center, they maintain an equal distance from all institutions, authorities, and stakeholders within Sakarya and are committed to actively pursuing the goal of expanding this collaboration ecosystem throughout the city.
Project Focus and International Funding Target
These collaborations are conducted on all areas of economic and social concern for the city, particularly in areas such as climate, agriculture, sustainability, and digitalization.
SESAM accelerates the integration of knowledge directly into development by combining the scientific expertise of academics with the experience of employers and producers in the field. One of the center's primary goals is to bring national and international funds, particularly European Union (EU) grants, to Sakarya through these development projects, thereby supporting the city's development with its own local resources, without relying on external support.
SESAM Issues a Clear Call and Determination
Center Director Ümmügülsüm Zor reiterated SESAM-SESAM's commitment to building Sakarya's future through shared wisdom and strong collaborations, stating, "Our door is wide open to any collaboration that will support Sakarya, both in terms of social contribution and regional development. We invite all local stakeholders seeking university support, particularly in national and international grant programs and development projects, to our Center to establish project-focused partnerships. With this determination, SESAM will continue to create the synergy necessary for Sakarya's sustainable development and to bring the university's knowledge to all segments of the city."
With this determination, SESAM will continue to create the synergy necessary for Sakarya's sustainable development and to bring the university's knowledge to all segments of the city.
