Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Türkiye and TÜRKONFED with the support of Akbank, implemented a project aimed primarily at raising awareness of the green transition process through seven workshops (Bursa (pilot), + Kocaeli, Adana, Elazığ, Samsun, İzmir and Gaziantep) at the regional level. In addition, a survey was conducted to measure regional and national awareness on green transition with the participation of focus groups. Based on the results of the workshops a policy report has been created The report identifies the risks, opportunities and expectations of stakeholders through workshops and presents policy recommendations that will contribute to the existing policy framework for transformation in Türkiye from the perspective of SMEs as well as roadmap fort he transitions to a low carbon economy.
The concept of green growth, which is emerging as a frequently emphasized solution in the fight against climate change, has moved to the center of global discussions on climate and the economy with the European Green Deal (EGD) announced at the end of 2019. Parallel to these developments, a period in which the policy-making process accelerated in different countries within the scope of combating climate change has begun.
The dynamic strategy formation process regarding the different policy areas
presented under the European Green Deal (EGD) continues. These strategies, which are presented in different sectors and policy areas such as agriculture, industry, energy, biodiversity, are accompanied by legislative changes and this process is supported by the financing aspect. In the coming period, companies exporting to the EU will be exposed to additional costs and administrative obligations through the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and higher product standards particularly in resource- intensive sectors within the scope of the circular economy. In addition, it seems likely that companies will face new sustainability reporting rules and environmental and human rights-oriented due diligence and transparency obligations in their value chains.
In the upcoming period, it is of key importance for companies in the real sector to plan their production structures, business models and financial plans on the basis of sustainability in order to maintain their level of competitiveness. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) deserve a special approach due to their important role in the Turkish economy. A green transition is not possible without the transformation of SMEs, so it is key to include strategies that include a more disaggregated approach, including SMEs, in climate policy design. In this context, it is important to establish working groups and collaborations to determine the needs and expectations of SMEs.
You can find the executive summary of this report here.
