Roadmap of Turkish Industry Announced

ISTANBUL - “Turkey Industrial Strategy Document and Action Plan” issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade was announced by Nihat Ergun, Minister of Industry and Trade in a meeting held in Istanbul Ciragan Palace.

According to the Turkish Patent Institute (TPI), the meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Habip Asan, TPI director.

In the document, it is stated that innovation and improvement of technological infrastructure should be at the center of the competition policies of firms. The importance of Research and Development (R&D) and innovation was emphasized in the meeting.

Within this framework, the Ministry aims at the active participation of private sector in R&D activities, the improvement of the TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) activities, effective use of information and communication technologies and the protection of industrial and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).

In the document, it is stated that the legislation regarding the industrial and IPRs has been synchronized with the EU legislation to a significant extent. According to the roadmap announced, various activities will be carried out in order to inform and encourage firms regarding patent rights, trademark creation and geographical indications. The institutional framework will thereby be strengthened regarding the industrial property rights.

The National Coordination Committee for Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights decided to issue the “National Industrial and Intellectual Property Rights Strategy Document” in their 1st meeting on November 14, 2008 in order for industrial property rights to provide the Turkish industry with high added value, advanced technology and competitive power.