Project Description
The knowledge economy is a well-established area of interest to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the “EBRD”, the “Bank”). The EBRD’s Board of Directors approved the Knowledge Economy Initiative (“KEI”) in 2014 with the aim of identifying, investing in and implementing projects and policies to improve competitiveness through innovation. Operational objectives include improving the innovation business environment, developing access to information systems, upgrading technological capacities and helping small technology companies secure access to sustainable financing.
In relation to Turkey, the EBRD’s Country Strategy (2015-2019) makes it a priority to scale up the private sector’s competitiveness through innovation and corporate governance. The Bank has been supporting projects that enable technology transfer and increased integration into global value chains.
The Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology (“MOIT”) has announced a programme (the “Programme”) to support innovative projects in the corporate sector. Eligibility criteria for incentive programmes would be defined for companies across the machinery, electrics, electronics, motor vehicles, pharmaceuticals and chemicals industries.
The EBRD aims to support MOIT by engaging a consultant (the “Consultant”) to offer sectoral expertise and capacity building advice for assessing innovative potential and knowledge intensity (the “Assignment”). The Consultant will provide a sector expert to work with MOIT on a full-time basis.
Through its engagement with MOIT on this Knowledge Economy Assignment, the EBRD aims to work towards addressing previously identified structural bottlenecks in Turkey’s innovation ecosystem, including:
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Low-levels of long-term in-house technology development: the Programme is geared towards the long-term development of sectoral innovative capacities, with lengthy time frames for approved projects. It is expected that technical and non-monetary implementation support will be provided, aspects that the Consultant will contribute towards as they help build up in-house knowledge.
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Poor commercialisation of research outputs: it will be incumbent upon applicants to demonstrate the commercial viability of their proposed projects through a rigorous approvals process (including a third-party feasibility assessment). Following approval, MOIT can provide assistance by, for example, offering wider access to potential customer networks. The regional development offices that were recently brought under MOIT’s purview will also play a role in working towards resolving potentially imperfect market information.
- Weak innovation uptake and low global competitiveness: the Consultant will have an understanding of what is feasible given structural conditions in the Turkish market. They will also understand the distribution of global supply chains and industry trends and provide advice on how best to position Turkish industry to compete internationally.
Any competitive selections for business opportunities relating to this project will be published on the EBRD's website: Consultancy Procurement Opportunities.
Email: eSelection@ebrd.com
General enquiries
EBRD project enquiries not related to procurement:
Tel: +44 20 7338 7168
Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com
Access to Information Policy (AIP)
The AIP sets out how the EBRD discloses information and consults with its stakeholders so as to promote better awareness and understanding of its strategies, policies and operations following its entry into force on 1 January 2020. Please visit the Access to Information Policy page to find out what information is available from the EBRD website.
Specific requests for information can be made using the EBRD Enquiries form
Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM)
If efforts to address environmental, social or public disclosure concerns with the Client or the Bank are unsuccessful (e.g. through the Client’s Project-level grievance mechanism or through direct engagement with Bank management), individuals and organisations may seek to address their concerns through the EBRD’s Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM).
IPAM independently reviews Project issues that are believed to have caused (or to be likely to cause) harm. The purpose of the Mechanism is: to support dialogue between Project stakeholders to resolve environmental, social and public disclosure issues; to determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy or Project-specific provisions of its Access to Information Policy; and where applicable, to address any existing non-compliance with these policies, while preventing future non-compliance by the Bank.
Please visit the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism webpage to find out how to submit a Request for review through our confidential online form, by email, mail or telephone. IPAM is available to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have about the submission or handling of Requests, which follow the Project Accountability Policy and Guidance. Requestors’ identities may be kept confidential, upon request.
Please note that after the appointment of the new mechanism Head in 2020, the revised Project Accountability Policy and Guidance will come into effect to guide case handling.
