Turkish Science, Technology and Innovation Policy for Economic Development within the Context of European Integration

In line with recent global trends, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy gained momentum towards attaining economic development in Turkey. Turkish STI policy makers channelled their efforts to gain power in the global arena through activities to enhance the national STI base and boost international STI cooperation. European integration process and cooperation with Europe in the field of STI via participation to EU Framework Programmes are observed to influence policy making and programming trends in Turkey. In this respect, Turkish STI Policy is analysed within the context of European integration in order to shed light on the main motives of policy formulation and implementation processes. Resting on ambitious objectives, investments and initiatives, Turkish STI Policy stimulates an analysis to better elaborate its basic credentials and set a reliable policy framework. This study presents a combined analysis of Turkish STI Policy within the perspective of economic development theories, pressures of globalization and the process of Europeanization.