Analytical Centers and Scientific Policy of Turkey

Abstract

The article scrutinizes the aspects of scientific and analytical activity of the modern Turkish Republic. In particular, the author analyzes the main milestones of the formation of science in Turkey as well as economic difficulties and other domestic political obstacles hindering the process of its development. Special attention is paid to the key actors of the scientific and analytical process of Turkey. Among them the Organization for Scientific and Technological Research (TUBITAK) and related structures, the Supreme Council for Science and Technology of Turkey (BTYK), as well as other organizations and auxiliary structures. The article provides a classification of analytical centers operating on the territory of Turkey, according to which such centers can be associated with the state or parties, ideologically biased and conditionally “independent”. The article considers the features of functioning, financing of NGOs in Turkey and discusses their types. In addition, based on the global rankings of the world's leading think tanks, an overview analysis of the activities of the following largest and most influential think tanks was also conducted: the Center for Strategic Studies (SAM); the Center for Asian Strategic Studies (TASAM); the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM); the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Studies (SETA) and the Foundation for Economic and Social Research of Turkey (TESEV). The author comes to the conclusion that nowadays a new stage of scientific and analytical activity of the Republic of Turkey is coming. It is associated with the emergence of new centers and the expansion of their research fi eld. At the same time, the role of analytical and other NGOs as the main agents of Turkish interests and ideologies abroad is increasing. In the future they can be used by Turkey to form lobbying groups and broadcast ideological and value attitudes which are beneficial to Ankara.