‘Project Factory’ is growing
Focusing on artificial intelligence, disaster technologies, and sustainability, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has completed 324 research projects in the last five years, proving its success on an international level. IUE ranked third among Turkish universities in the ‘innovation’ ranking by Scimago Institutions Rankings, a Spain-based rating institution, which evaluates innovative knowledge, patent performance, and technological impact indicators. IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “The world is undergoing a major transformation based on technology and digitalization. As a university, we must lead this transformation. We continue our efforts with the goal of fulfilling this mission in the best way possible.”
Reaching a general occupancy rate of 99.48% this year, making it one of Turkey's most sought-after foundation universities, IUE has also reached a noteworthy position in the Entrepreneurial and Innovative Universities Ranking announced by the Ministry of Science, Industry, and Technology. IUE ranked ninth among all universities in Turkey and fourth among foundation universities in the number of companies established with TUBITAK (BIGG) support.
RECORD INCREASE IN CITATIONS
Noting that the volume of scientific output and research quality at IUE has increased each year, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu sharing detailed information saying, “Between 2001 and 2023, there were 2,677 scientific publications affiliated with our University. Of this number, 22.2% were published in the last two years. The number of citations to scientific publications was 6,185 in 2022, and this number increased to 7,001 in 2023. Citation numbers are an important indicator of the quality of scientific publications and the recognition they receive in the scientific world. The total number of citations to IUE affiliated scientific publications between 2001 and 2023 was 36,230. In the last three years, the number of citations received was 18,342, surpassing the total of the previous 20 years. All these numbers clearly demonstrate the increase in volume and quality of our scientific output in recent years.”
TRANSFORMATIVE SOLUTIONS
Emphasizing that they continually update themselves as a University and produce projects aimed at increasing digital literacy for everyone, including administrative staff, Prof. Dr. Abacıoğlu said, “There is a trend towards universities that offer universal and contemporary knowledge, stimulate students' imagination, and are sustainable and innovative. In line with this, we are constantly updating ourselves; we are shaping the University’s educational tools, curriculum, and strategic plans according to the needs of the age. We launched a project called ‘Coding for Everyone,’ providing low-code training to IUE students, administrative staff, and academics. Participants will gain knowledge on a wide range of topics, from simple to complex software. We are improving our software infrastructure. We are in the process of transforming into a stronger, faster infrastructure that can offer conveniences to users. We will continue to take necessary steps in line with our vision of being a university that produces creative and transformative solutions.”
30 INTERNATIONAL, 165 INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIPS
Onur Kanyılmaz, Director of IUE Project Development and Technology Transfer Office, stated that they prioritize high technology in engineering and qualitative transformation and social benefit in social sciences. Kanyılmaz said, “In the last five years, a total of 324 research projects have been carried out by IUE faculty members, 30 of which are international and 165 in partnership with industry. In 2024, we received patent registration for five critical technologies. All these are clear indicators of the development in our University in terms of projects.”