A Step Toward Collaboration Between Our University and Kartal Municipality
On June 11, 2025, a meeting was held at the Kartal Municipality Machinery Hangar to take a significant step toward fostering sustainable collaborations between municipalities and universities. In addition to Kartal Municipality officials, the meeting was attended by representatives from various universities and academics. İstanbul Gedik University also played an active role in the event.
The main agenda of the meeting included evaluating opportunities for joint projects in the areas of European Union projects, women’s cooperatives, cultural heritage studies, and initiatives focused on artificial intelligence and digitalization.
Kartal Municipality’s Project Vision Offers a Strong Model
During the meeting, Kartal Municipality introduced its “Planning and Development Agency” model, a first in Turkey, and elaborated on its project management approach. The municipality adopts the “3P” model — “Funding – Personnel – Project” — and prefers to submit project applications through NGOs and cooperatives rather than directly. This model was highlighted as a means to encourage participation and enable more sustainable partnerships.
Women’s Cooperatives and Green Practices in Focus
Projects developed with women, waste collectors, and agricultural cooperatives were presented as examples of the municipality’s strong local stakeholder network. Inspired by best practices from İzmir, the municipality shared its innovative applications such as zero-waste initiatives and electric bicycle-based recycling efforts, which drew particular attention.
New Horizons in University–Municipality Cooperation
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a mutual agreement to prepare a cooperation protocol between İstanbul Gedik University and Kartal Municipality. In addition to technical fields such as engineering, artificial intelligence, and digital scanning, collaboration in areas like art history and cultural heritage management was also proposed.
Projects and Funding Opportunities Discussed
Innovative ideas such as the development of an AI-supported digital core sampling machine were presented as examples. Opportunities under Erasmus+ and Horizon programs were explored in a variety of topics including women’s entrepreneurship, welding training, green skills, digital heritage, 3D modeling, and smart cities. Information was also shared on specific Erasmus+ programs such as KA220, Jean Monnet, and EQUAVET.
A Common Ground for the Digitization of Cultural Heritage
The meeting emphasized the need to document and preserve cultural heritage through digital tools. Information was shared regarding UNESCO candidacy processes, thematic listing preparations, and coordination with relevant ministries. Suggestions were made on transforming cultural assets like “Yemenicilik,” “Telkari,” and “Kaleiçi” into sustainable and marketable models.
First Step Toward a Cooperation Protocol
At the end of the meeting, a consensus was reached on drafting an official cooperation protocol between İstanbul Gedik University and Kartal Municipality. It was noted that there is strong potential for developing projects across a broad spectrum — from cultural heritage and women’s employment to digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications. The parties plan to begin working on project drafts, particularly for international funding programs such as Erasmus+.
This comprehensive meeting contributed to strengthening inter-institutional dialogue and laid the foundation for concrete collaborations in the near future.
