Bahçeşehir University (BAU) actively engages with local, regional, and national government bodies by providing expert advice, policy guidance, and evidence-based input in areas aligned with its academic expertise and research capacity.
Through formal partnerships, advisory roles, and collaborative projects, BAU contributes to the formulation and implementation of public policies that address contemporary social, economic, technological, and environmental challenges.
The University’s engagement includes the provision of expert opinions to government institutions, participation in ministerial and municipal committees, joint research and development initiatives, and training programs for policymakers and public officials.
These activities reflect BAU’s commitment to fostering informed, data-driven, and inclusive governance while strengthening cooperation between academia and the public sector.
Examples of expert contributions and joint projects carried out with local and national authorities during the reporting period are presented below.
1.BAU Expert Contribution to Türkiye’s 12th Development Plan (2024–2028)
Prof. Dr. Ahu Ergen, faculty member at Bahçeşehir University’s Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, served as a Special Expertise Committee Member to the Republic of Türkiye Presidency of Strategy and Budget Directorate for the Twelfth Development Plan (2024–2028) — Specialization Commission Report on Consumption and Saving Trends.
Building on Türkiye’s ratification of the Paris Agreement, the commission advanced policy measures to accelerate the green economy transition: expanding green finance and sustainability-linked funds, incentivizing sustainable investment, improving resource efficiency and waste reduction, and scaling circular economy education to promote responsible consumption and production nationwide. Prof. Ergen’s contributions focused on SDG alignment, sustainable consumption instruments for Türkiye, and integrating sustainability into curricula to strengthen human capital for the transition.
This engagement demonstrates how Bahçeşehir University provides specific expert advice to national government—through formal committee participation and evidence-based policy guidance—thereby advancing SDG 16, while directly supporting SDG 12 via systemic measures that foster responsible, circular, and resource-efficient economic behavior.
Information indicating that Bahçeşehir University provided expert support to the government’s development plan can be found on page 11 of the PDF (page viii in the document).
2.Bahçeşehir University Expert Advises on Legislative Reform of the Attorneyship Law
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zafer Kahraman, a faculty member at the Faculty of Law, Bahçeşehir University, has been appointed as one of the legal experts on the Scientific Committee established by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey.
The committee is tasked with drafting legislative amendments to modernize the Attorneyship Law in light of national and global developments, within the framework of the Judicial Reform Strategy Document and the Human Rights Action Plan.
Since 2022, Dr. Kahraman has been serving as an adviser to the Ministry of Justice in this capacity.
The Ministry of Justice’s invitation letters can be accessed via the link provided below. The final page of the document also includes the appointments for the year 2024.
https://cdn.bau.edu.tr/content/f09b9jfsz8b8u-Toplanti%20Yer%20ve%20Tarihinin%20Bildirilmesi.pdf
3.BAU’s Representation in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Sustainable Agriculture Specialized Working Group
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) contributes to national policy development as a member of the Sustainable Agriculture Specialized Working Group established under the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Within this framework, BAU provides expert opinions and research-based insights to support the Ministry’s efforts in developing strategies for sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience, and rural development.
As one of only seven universities in Türkiye represented in this working group, BAU plays a significant role in bridging academic research and governmental policy.
Details regarding Bahçeşehir University’s representation within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Sustainable Agriculture Specialized Working Group can be found on page 21 of the Ministry’s official report, which is publicly available on the Ministry’s website.
https://cdn.bau.edu.tr/content/ncpf3naceh492-bau_%20governmet.pdf
https://ticaret.gov.tr/data/643ffd6a13b8767b208ca8e4/Ek-2%20%C4%B0%C3%87G%20K%C3%BCnyeleri.pdf
4.Bahçeşehir University Rector Serves on the Turkish Football Federation’s Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee under the Ministry of Youth and Sports
Bahçeşehir University Rector, Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu, serves as a member of the Turkish Football Federation’s (TFF) Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee, a body operating under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In this capacity, Prof. Hatipoğlu contributes expert opinions and ethical guidance to support the Federation’s efforts in advancing fair play principles, social inclusion, and institutional accountability in sports governance.
Through this role, Bahçeşehir University provides expert-level input to a ministry-affiliated institution, helping to shape national strategies on ethical conduct, social responsibility, and community engagement in sports.
The committee’s work aligns with BAU’s broader mission to promote integrity, equality, and participatory governance across different sectors of public life.
This engagement contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by fostering transparency and ethical governance; SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by supporting inclusive participation and representation in sports; and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting active, fair, and socially responsible sporting environments.
https://www.tff.org/default.aspx?pageID=1595
5.Bahçeşehir University Provides Expert Advisory Support to the Ministry of Education
During the 2023–2024 academic year, Dr. Betül Tanacıoğlu Aydın, a faculty member in the Department of Educational Sciences at Bahçeşehir University (BAU), contributed her academic expertise to the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye.
She participated in a national policy consultation organized by the General Directorate of Special Education and Counseling Services, which focused on strengthening social inclusion, accessibility, and family support for individuals with special needs.
The Ministry's invitation letter can be accessed through the following link.
https://cdn.bau.edu.tr/content/vw9okhp5wf09q-T.C.%20Milli%20Egitim%20Bakanligi%20Gorevlendirme.pdf
6.Strengthening Education through Collaboration: Bahçeşehir University Partners with the Ministry of Education
Bahçeşehir University signed a cooperation protocol with the Beşiktaş District Directorate of National Education, which operates under the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye. Under this protocol, BAU will serve as a “trainer of trainers,” providing educational programs and academic support for instructors affiliated with the Ministry, focusing on strengthening professional capacity, promoting innovation, and improving educational practices.
7.Bahçeşehir University and the Ministry of Industry and Technology Continue Strategic Partnership for Türkiye’s Technological Future
In 2023-2024 academic year, a cooperation protocol was signed between Bahçeşehir University and the Directorate General of National Technology of the Ministry of Industry and Technology of the Republic of Turkey to train and develop human resources. The protocol builds on and strengthens the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions, aiming to foster innovation, support national technology initiatives, and cultivate highly skilled professionals for Türkiye’s future. This cooperation continues actively.
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