Major Achievement by BEBKA:
BEBKA Selected for the EU “Innovation for Place-Based Transformation” Program
The Bursa Eskişehir Bilecik Development Agency (BEBKA) has achieved a significant milestone by being selected for the “Preparatory Action: Innovation for Place-Based Transformation” program, supported by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Parliament.
Under the coordination of BEBKA, the TR41 region – consisting of Bursa, Eskişehir, and Bilecik – has been chosen as one of the selected territories across Europe. Through the program, the region will receive support in developing transformative innovation policies, achieving sustainable development goals, and enhancing institutional capacity.
Key objectives of the program include:
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Raising awareness of transformative innovation policies
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Supporting capacity-building processes for local stakeholders
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Experimenting with innovative and participatory approaches for sustainability transitions
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Contributing to the post-2027 EU policy framework
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), with support from the European Parliament, launched the Preparatory Action on Innovation for Place-Based Transformation on October 8, 2024. The call targeted local, regional, and national public authorities in EU Member States, EU Candidate Countries, and Horizon Europe-associated countries. The aim is to build capacities within policy-implementing organizations and to support the design of innovative policy approaches. Activities around awareness-raising and capacity development are at the core of the program.
BEBKA submitted its application on behalf of the TR41 Region on December 11, 2024, and was informed on April 24, 2025, that its proposal had been accepted by the JRC. The agency’s main goal in participating is to raise awareness of digital transformation in the TR41 Region, to develop transformative innovation strategies, and to implement these strategies region-wide. The project, which focuses on digital innovation, technology ecosystems, entrepreneurship, and digital business development, will also benefit from BEBKA’s extensive experience with programs and projects supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past decade.
BEBKA Acting Secretary General Sabri Bayram commented on this success as follows:
“The selection of our region for such a prestigious program led by the European Commission is a strong indication of the quality of our previous work. This process provides us with a solid foundation to implement the innovation and entrepreneurship projects we have envisioned. Together with all our stakeholders, we aim to establish a more sustainable, innovative, and resilient development model.”
The first module of the program will begin in June 2025 and will initiate a two-year capacity-building process, including trainings, experience-sharing events, and hands-on project work. Throughout this process, BEBKA will closely collaborate with public institutions, local governments, universities, and private sector representatives across the region.
For more information:
https://place-based-innovation.ec.europa.eu/territories-action-journey-begins_en
