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
Public Information Policy (PIP)
The PIP 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. Please visit the Public Information Policy page below to find out how to request a Public Sector Board Report.
Text of the PIP
Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM)
The EBRD has established the Project Complaint Mechanism (PCM) to provide an opportunity for an independent review of complaints from one or more individuals or from organisations concerning projects financed by the Bank which are alleged to have caused, or likely to cause, harm.
Any complaint under the PCM must be filed in accordance with the timeframes prescribed in the PCM Rules of Procedure. You may contact the PCM Officer (at pcm@ebrd.com) for assistance if you are uncertain as to the eligibility of your complaint.
