Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) hosted the “KKTC Girişimcilik ve İnovasyon Ekosisteminin Durum Tespiti, Strateji ve Eylem Planı Çalıştayı / Workshop on the Assessment, Strategy, and Action Plan for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem of the TRNC” on Monday, 17 November 2025 at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center. Commenced at 08:45 a.m., the workshop was sponsored by Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry, Inventionland MENA and Aura Line Solution. The event, held with the aim of creating a sustainable future and a unified vision for entrepreneurship and innovation in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, convened a diverse group of stakeholders from public sector, private sector, academia, and civil society.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici and EMU Advanced Technology Research and Development (R&D) Institute Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Davut Solyalı attended the said event.
“A Concrete Step to Boost TRNC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Capacity”
In his opening speech, EMU Advanced Technology R&D Institute Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Davut Solyalı stressed that the workshop marked a significant step in strengthening the TRNC’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. He highlighted that the initiative, which brought together representatives from the public sector, private sector, academia, and entrepreneurial circles, aimed not only to assess the current situation but also to develop an action plan tailored to the country’s specific needs. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solyalı also noted that the TRNC Ministry of Economy and Energy’s forward-looking policies, along with relevant laws and regulations, support innovation and technology-driven growth. He emphasized EMU’s role as a key player that goes beyond academic research by fostering collaboration among stakeholders and leading innovative processes. Finally, he expressed gratitude to all institutions and individuals who contributed to the workshop’s success, underlining that the outcomes will provide a lasting impact on the nation’s entrepreneurship and innovation journey.
“A Strategic Meeting Shaping TRNC’s New Development Story”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted that the workshop was not merely a platform for exchanging ideas, but a strategic gathering where TRNC’s new development narrative is being shaped. He emphasized that EMU functions not only as an educational institution but also as a national innovation hub, driving the country’s scientific capacity, technological output, and innovation ecosystem. Prof. Dr. Kılıç pointed out that small nations can achieve remarkable progress with the right vision, ecosystem, and bold initiatives, citing global examples such as Estonia, Singapore, Aalto University, KAIST, and MIT. Prof. Dr. Kılıç underscored that TRNC—with its strong higher education system, youthful population, and international ties—provides an ideal environment for innovation, with EMU acting as the scientific backbone of this transformation. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Kılıç added that the workshop’s purpose extends beyond producing a report, aiming instead to envision TRNC in 2040. He concluded by thanking all who contributed to the workshop and reaffirmed EMU’s commitment to continue leading the country’s innovation journey.
Following the opening speeches, a panel titled “Change and Innovation” and moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Davut Solyalı, featured Prof. Dr. Mehmet Başar and Ufuk Batumas panellists. After the panel, sessions focused on “SWOT Analysis – Evaluating Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats”, “Defining Strategic Areas and Priorities” and ‘”Creating and Prioritizing Action Plans”. The workshop ended with a comprehensive evaluation session following these discussions.