An information meeting titled “The Importance of SMEs in the Green Transformation Process” was held under the hosting of the Karadeniz Ereğli Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Alaplı Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ), Ereğli OIZ, Zonguldak Technopark, and Marmara Technopark. The event addressed “green innovation” and “green patents” within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Marmara TEKNOKENT presented information on the support and opportunities planned for the SMEs by introducing the “TÜBİTAK 1831- Green Innovation Technology Mentorship Call” program. Rasim Keskin, Technology Transfer Office (TTO) Specialist at Marmara Technopark, explained the scope and application processes of the call, emphasizing the importance of green transformation for SMEs and its contributions to the development of environmentally friendly production technologies. Keskin highlighted the significance of green innovation in enhancing the sustainable competitiveness of enterprises within the framework of the European Green Deal, and noted that Türkiye has accelerated its green transformation process after becoming a party to the Paris Climate Agreement. He also addressed key points to be considered by exporting companies regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
In the informative presentation titled “Green Patents” delivered by Süleyman Eryılmaz, Patent Attorney at Marmara Technopark, the importance of protecting environmentally friendly technologies through intellectual property rights was discussed. Eryılmaz drew attention to the growing awareness of green patents in Türkiye and shared the support provided by Marmara Technopark to companies in national and international patent processes.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ferdi Kesikoğlu, General Manager of Zonguldak Technopark, spoke at the meeting about the role of Zonguldak Technopark in the transition to sustainable industry. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kesikoğlu stated, “As Zonguldak Technopark, we continue to support projects and entrepreneurs that will contribute to the green transformation of industry. I would like to thank BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his continuous support throughout this process.”
At the closing of the event, Gündüz Acar, Secretary General of the Karadeniz Ereğli Chamber of Commerceand Industry, emphasized the importance of university-industry collaboration, saying, “Achieving green transformation goals is only possible through strong cooperation. The contributions of BEUN and Zonguldak Technopark to this process are highly valuable.”
Following the event, The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer made a statement, underlining that green transformation is not only an environmental process but also an economic and social one, and said:
“Our University considers contributing to regional development and strengthening cooperation with industry among its top priorities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. The ability of SMEs to adapt to the green transformation process is of great importance both for our country’s competitiveness and for environmental sustainability. I believe that such events are highly valuable in terms of raising awareness and promoting knowledge sharing. I would like to extend my thanks to TÜBİTAK, Marmara Technopark, Zonguldak Technopark, the Karadeniz Ereğli Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their hospitality, and to all stakeholder institutions that contributed.”
This event also received wide coverage in the regional press. Local newspapers featured the news under the headline “The Importance of SMEs in the Green Transformation Process,” highlighting the contributions of BEUN and Zonguldak Technopark to the vision of sustainable development.
