Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation

The Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) is an independent, non-governmental think tank established in 1994, aimed at devising policy suggestions for unresolved social and political issues. It is recognized for its liberal economic stance that opposes government intervention.

Output

TESEV’s outputs are designed with a long-term perspective and are intended for all segments of society, focusing on sustainable solutions informed by scientific research, which are necessary for both public authorities and the broader community. The foundation advocates for democratization, promotes awareness of good governance principles, creates inclusive policies to eliminate social inequalities, and supports sustainable development. So far, TESEV has published 18 annual reports.

Focus

In terms of focus, TESEV addresses the most pressing policy concerns faced by Turkey and its neighboring regions in the new century. Its programs are categorized into three main areas: Democratization, Foreign Policy, and Good Governance. Noteworthy projects include studies on the relationship between Islam and democracy, anti-corruption efforts, state reform, and enhancing transparency and accountability. Current projects also encompass security sector reform, minority and citizenship rights, boosting civil society, and addressing issues related to Cyprus, the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey's relations with the European Union.

Featured Topics

Some of the Featured Topics of the foundation are:

• Urban Governance and Sustainability
• Gender Equality
• Digital Policy Tools
• Child Policy
• Migration Policy
• Empowering Civil Society
• Transparency and Accountability
• Climate Crisis
• Disaster
• Artificial Intelligence

History

The Economic and Social Studies Conference Committee, founded in 1961 under the leadership of Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı, was a pioneer in creating platforms for open discussion on various topics and played a significant role in aiding decision-makers by organizing conferences, panels, and meetings, along with producing related publications. By the 1990s, as the era's dynamics signaled a need for new initiatives that went beyond previous efforts, similar projects aimed at developing policy recommendations based on research began to emerge in various universities and NGOs. This drive for change and innovation led to the decision in 1994 to transform the Conference Committee into a think tank named the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV), leveraging its rich experience and intellectual resources. From its inception in 1994 to 2004, TESEV produced important reports addressing poverty, economic issues, and sectoral policies. In early 2004, with a slight shift in focus, TESEV reorganized its work under three main categories: Democratization, Good Governance and Transparency, and Foreign Policy. At the Regular General Assembly held in February 2015, a new Executive Board was elected and a new research team was formed. At this time, two additional areas of focus were introduced: Social Inequalities and Inclusion, as well as Sustainable Development, resulting in a concentration on urban governance and gender equality. In an era where the production and dissemination of information are greatly shaped by technological advancements, TESEV has emphasized its data-driven digital policy tools designed to enhance urban policy. Since 2012, TESEV has received high rankings among think tanks for both regional and global public policy impact, leading all Turkish think tanks in these assessments.