THE ROLE of HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS in REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: a FEW EXAMPLES FROM RECENTLY FOUNDED UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Education which forms the basis of the information society in the global world, is also a source of power and value for development. Universities are considered as top level educational institutions which contribute positively to the economies and development of the country while accelerating the development of the cities in which they are located and positively affecting the socio-cultural development of the people living in that region. In this study, the contribution of newly established universities and colleges to regional development especially in East and Southeastern Anatolia will be examined. In the context of university students’ expenditures, university urban economy interaction and direct, indirect effects of expenditures on local economies will be discussed. As universities providing high level of education, it will be sought to answer whether they have any impacts on economic and socio-cultural development of the periphery regions in Turkey.