Shaping the Government The Legacy of TUSIAD on Turkish Public Policy

“…Crises, though seemingly paradoxical, have not always yielded purely negative outcomes; rather, they have often served as catalysts for significant change…” However, it should not be inferred that change is exclusively driven by crises. Social and economic developments can also spur transformative shifts. In this context, it is no mere coincidence that the founding of TUSIAD (The Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association) occurred in 1971, a year marked by multiple crises. This book seeks to explore and elucidate the influence of TUSIAD on the formulation of public policies in Türkiye. Beyond being a civil society organization rooted in the business community, TUSIAD has played a pivotal role in Türkiye's European Union accession process. Through its comprehensive reports, publications, conferences, workshops, public statements, and other communication channels, TUSIAD has consistently provided critical analyses and recommendations regarding Türkiye's current state and future trajectory. Particularly noteworthy are the detailed annual reports prepared by experts, which address both national and global agendas. These reports often contain proposed reforms or systemic changes that are subsequently adopted by the state and implemented as public policy. Thus, TUSIAD has emerged as a significant actor in shaping public policy in Türkiye, effectively positioning itself as a key decision-maker in the policy-making process.