The workshop titled “Specialization Universities Workshop: Experiences and Future Perspectives” was held, hosted by Kastamonu University. The opening ceremony of the workshop, organized under the leadership of Kastamonu University’s Forestry and Nature Tourism Specialization Coordination Office, took place on October 6, 2025, at the Central Library Cemil Meriç Hall.
Representatives from the specialization coordination offices of 25 specialized universities were invited to the workshop. Representing our university were Prof. Dr. Tamer KEÇELİ, Regional Development and Specialization Coordinator, and Assoc. Dr. Melike BİLGİ KAMAÇ, Deputy Coordinator.
In his opening speech, Assoc. Dr. Emre Birinci, Coordinator of Forestry and Nature Tourism Specialization at Kastamonu University, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences gained during the specialization process, disseminating successful practices, and developing joint solutions for encountered challenges. He noted that the thematic tables at the workshop would play a critical role in this process and stated:
"I believe that through our collective knowledge, we will create a strong synergy and transform this synergy into concrete policy recommendations. The outcomes of the workshop will be shaped in line with the principles of environmental awareness, scientific rigor, and public benefit."
Following this, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Vice-Rector of Kastamonu University, highlighted that universities are not only responsible for generating knowledge but also for transforming this knowledge into innovation and creating ecosystems that contribute to regional development. He explained that universities assume multi-layered roles in this process, from regional integration and training qualified workforce to developing entrepreneurship ecosystems and providing R&D and consultancy services. Prof. Dr. Küçük stated:
"Today, not only the faculties related to the specialization field but all components of the university must be involved in the process. In this context, it is extremely valuable that all our units—from communication and public relations to business and management, from organization to marketing, and from engineering to design and education—participate directly or indirectly in specialization activities. Moreover, expanding specialization beyond the university to the entire city and producing regional and national policies and strategies, even transforming them into national policies, is an important target we need to pursue in the upcoming period."
He also noted that the workshop provided a significant opportunity to share experiences gained in the field of specialization and to develop solutions for encountered challenges.
Following the opening, on October 6–7, 2025, the workshop continued with four sessions conducted by six thematic groups formed with representatives from the specialization coordination offices of 25 universities. The workshop concluded with the presentation of the thematic tables’ findings, followed by the announcement of the final declaration by Assoc. Dr. Emre Birinci, Coordinator of Forestry and Nature Tourism Specialization at Kastamonu University.
Click for the Results Declaration (in Turkish).
