Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV)

Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV)
Name	Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV)
Founded	2004
Headquarters	Ankara

Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV) is a Turkish think tank established in 2004 and based in Ankara. TEPAV conducts policy analysis and program development across trade, regulatory reform, and regional development, engaging with institutions such as the European Union, World Bank, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The foundation contributes to policy debates involving actors like the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the President of Turkey, and municipal governments including Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality.

History

TEPAV was founded in 2004 during a period marked by interactions among actors such as the International Monetary Fund, European Commission, and Turkish ministries including the Ministry of Treasury and Finance (Turkey), following policy shifts seen in the early 2000s alongside figures like Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and institutions such as the Justice and Development Party (Turkey). Early collaborations involved projects tied to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the United Nations Development Programme, and bilateral partners including the United States Agency for International Development and the German Agency for International Cooperation. Over time TEPAV expanded its presence through offices and cooperation with entities like Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, and academic partners such as Middle East Technical University and Boğaziçi University.

Mission and Governance

TEPAV’s stated mission emphasizes evidence-based policy advice to actors including the Prime Minister of Turkey (historical office), ministries such as the Ministry of Industry and Technology (Turkey), and regional authorities like the Southeastern Anatolia Project. Governance structures include a board and advisory councils drawing expertise from figures associated with institutions such as the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey, the Turkish Statistical Institute, and international organizations like the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. The foundation interacts with political stakeholders ranging from parties such as the Republican People's Party and the Nationalist Movement Party to legislative committees of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.

Research Areas and Publications

TEPAV publishes reports, policy briefs, and data analyses addressing topics relevant to actors including the European Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the World Trade Organization. Research areas cover trade policy interacting with the Customs Union (EU–Turkey), regional development linked to projects like the Bosphorus Strait infrastructure plans, and sectoral studies involving the Automotive Industry in Turkey, the Textile industry, and energy issues such as those concerning Turkish Stream and the Southern Gas Corridor. Publications reference methodologies used by organizations including the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and appear alongside work produced by universities such as Hacettepe University and think tanks like the Brookings Institution and Chatham House.

Programs and Projects

TEPAV runs programs addressing trade facilitation that engage stakeholders including the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey and multinational actors like Tesla, Inc. and Siemens. Project portfolios have included initiatives aligned with the Customs Union (EU–Turkey), labor market programs connected to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and urban policy projects in partnership with municipalities such as Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Antakya. TEPAV has implemented capacity-building activities alongside institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, and participated in regional initiatives overlapping with corridors like the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and partnerships involving the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization.

Partnerships and International Relations

TEPAV maintains partnerships with international organizations including the World Bank, the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and bilateral agencies such as Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit and the United States Agency for International Development. Collaborative research and events have involved academic institutions like Bilkent University, Koç University, and Sabancı University, as well as policy institutes including the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Atlantic Council, and the European Policy Centre. Regional cooperation has drawn in actors from neighboring states and entities such as the Caucasus studies community, Iraq, Syria, and organizations active in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Funding and Organizational Structure

TEPAV’s funding model combines support from domestic actors such as business associations like the Turkish Exporters Assembly, private foundations, and international donors including the European Union and the World Bank. The organizational structure comprises research units, project management offices, and outreach teams that coordinate with partner institutions including the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Statistical Institute. Leadership and advisory roles have included individuals with backgrounds connected to ministries, universities, and multilateral organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the United Nations.

Category:Think tanks based in Turkey