Major 250 Million TL Boost for Global Ambitions
İzmir University of Economics (IUE) has achieved a major milestone that will strengthen both the University’s and İzmir’s international standing in education, science, and research. IUE has become the first foundation university outside Istanbul to be accepted into the Brand Support Program administered by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, securing eligibility for financial support of up to 250 million TL for its international projects. With this support, which is expected to make significant contributions to İzmir’s scientific, economic, and social development, IUE will implement projects over the next four years aimed at enhancing its global recognition, expanding its research capacity, and attracting highly qualified students and academics from around the world to İzmir.
İzmir University of Economics successfully completed a series of rigorous assessments conducted by teams affiliated with the Ministry of Trade and independent organizations. These evaluations covered a wide range of criteria, including financial and operational capacity, institutional governance, and contributions to society and regional development. Following its acceptance into the Brand Support Program, IUE will initially focus on identifying target countries and strengthening its international promotion and branding activities. The University will increase its participation in international education fairs, academic events, and global organizations across different regions of the world. Digital marketing and promotional campaigns will also be expanded. In addition to initiatives aimed at increasing international student enrollment, priorities will include strengthening academic partnerships, developing joint research projects, and attracting international academics to the University. Through these efforts, IUE aims to reach broader audiences and enhance its presence on the global stage.
CONTRIBUTING TO İZMİR’S ECONOMY
Attracting more international students and academics to İzmir will not only enhance the city's global visibility but also contribute to its economy and social life. Increased international student mobility is expected to stimulate economic activity in sectors such as accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, and other services. Furthermore, the expansion of international research networks will create new opportunities for scientific and technological collaboration with İzmir-based industrial enterprises and the business community. In this way, the program will strengthen IUE’s global competitiveness while supporting İzmir’s ambition to become an international hub for education, science, and research.
“WE WILL BUILD STRONGER CONNECTIONS WITH THE WORLD”
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Rector of İzmir University of Economics, emphasized that universities have an important responsibility to contribute to the development of the cities in which they operate, noting that IUE has taken a significant step in this direction. Highlighting that the University’s long-term vision extends beyond institutional development, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said: “When planning the future of our University, we do not limit our ambitions to institutional growth alone. We also consider it a priority to make İzmir’s tremendous potential more visible internationally and contribute to the city’s scientific and economic development. Our acceptance into the Brand Support Program is an important recognition of our long-term vision, institutional expertise, and the efforts we have made toward achieving these goals. We are particularly proud to be the first foundation university outside Istanbul to be admitted to this program. More importantly, we see this achievement as a valuable opportunity to help İzmir establish stronger connections with the rest of the world.”
“WE WILL DEVELOP HIGH-IMPACT PROJECTS”
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, Vice Rector of İzmir University of Economics, stated that the Brand Support Program would provide significant momentum to the University’s internationalization efforts. “What matters most to us is establishing long-term partnerships with respected universities and research institutions around the world, generating knowledge collaboratively, and transforming that knowledge into tangible value across different fields, from education to industry. The Brand Support Program offers valuable opportunities to pursue these objectives in a more structured and comprehensive manner. Over the next four years, we aim to identify our target countries and priority areas, directing our resources toward projects that will generate the greatest possible impact. We want to become more actively involved in international academic networks, develop collaborative research initiatives, and attract knowledgeable and experienced academics from different countries to our University. Our ultimate goal is to establish a strong international framework that will continue to grow and evolve well beyond the program’s four-year support period.”
“WE WILL CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS”
Hülya İncekara, Director of the International Relations Office at İzmir University of Economics, emphasized that the University’s internationalization initiatives would directly contribute to students’ education and career development. “Through new academic and industry partnerships, we aim to expand opportunities for our students to gain international experience and access knowledge and technologies from different countries. At the same time, through the projects we develop, we seek to strengthen the connection between the knowledge generated at our University and the business community, transforming academic research into practical solutions. By creating more opportunities for our students and developing highly qualified human resources, we aim to make an even greater contribution to the future of İzmir and our country,” she said.
