The establishment protocol for the "SME Consulting Center," created to help companies operating in the defense industry become more effective and reach higher levels, has been signed.
The establishment protocol for the "SME Consulting Center," created to help companies operating in the defense industry to become more effective and reach higher levels, was signed. At the signing ceremony held in Ostim under the auspices of the Undersecretariat of Defense Industry, Undersecretary of Defense Industry Murad Bayar, Ostim Board Chairman Orhan Aydın, ODTÜ Teknokent A.Ş. Board Chairman Prof. Dr. Tuncay Birand, and Defense Industry Manufacturers Association (SASAD) Deputy Chairman Cengiz Ergeneman signed the protocol, officially launching the project. In addition to the participating institutions and organizations, faculty members from universities, SME representatives, and numerous guests also attended the protocol signing.
Undersecretary emphasizes the need for unity.
Speaking before the protocol ceremony, Undersecretary of Defense Industry Murad Bayar emphasized the importance of the SME Consulting Center project, stating, “We are laying the foundation for an important collaboration. A greater synergy will emerge from this. The timing of this collaboration is also excellent. We must make the most effective use of the country's industrial base. We are extremely pleased with the SME Consulting Center project in terms of providing an environment for this.” Undersecretary Bayar also stated that they aim to reach defense industry manufacturers in other regions of Turkey, adding, “From now on, SMEs will be able to chart a healthier course.”
Ostim is ready for duty in every field.
Ostim Board Chairman Orhan Aydın emphasized the importance of the signed protocol, stating, “We have been focusing on clustering activities in recent years. We have shown our companies that they can accomplish significant things by coming together. We are trying to instill the concept of collaborative competition. We are also ready to contribute to filling the gaps in our defense industry companies. The SME Consulting Center project is also in line with this goal. I thank everyone who shares this happiness with us.”
SASAD alongside its subcontractors
Cengiz Ergeneman, Deputy Chairman of the SASAD Board of Directors, also expressed his appreciation for the work of the Undersecretariat of Defense Industry, stating that SASAD is pleased to be a part of the SME and Subcontractor Consulting Center, whose establishment has been underway for some time. Ergeneman underlined the significant contributions SMEs have made to the defense industry over the last twenty years, and expressed his belief that the consulting center will further increase this contribution. Pointing out that institutionalized subcontractors are an indispensable part of the defense industry sector, Ergeneman said, "I believe we will achieve even more challenging goals with the SME and Subcontractor Consulting Center."
Production according to international standards.
Speaking on behalf of METU Technopark, a signatory to the protocol, METU Vice Rector and Chairman of the METU Technopark Board of Directors, Prof. Dr. Tuncay Birand, stated that METU has been closely involved with industry since its establishment. Birand emphasized that the consultancy center will work to enhance and effectively utilize the capabilities of main and subcontractors involved in defense industry projects, adding, “It is important to facilitate the integration of SMEs and subcontractors with the sector by providing the necessary communication and training, and to support the adaptation of defense product and service production activities to international standards. In this context, we expect SMEs and subcontractors to receive a larger share of the work in the projects being carried out, and to support their human resources needs and export development activities.”
What will the center do?
The Defense Industry SME Consultancy Center (KDM), to be established through this protocol, will work to achieve the goals outlined in the Defense Industry Sectoral Strategy Document published by the Undersecretariat of Defense Industry to reach the objectives and targets set forth in the Strategic Plan. It will strive to maximize the contribution of main contractors, subcontractors, SMEs, and sub-industry firms operating in the sector to the defense industry by ensuring they work and develop in harmony, thereby enhancing their role within the sector.
The Consulting Center will also inform SMEs and subcontractors about sectoral targets and organize events such as symposiums, seminars, workshops, and industry days, as well as training programs. It will guide them in developing unique solutions for the sector, reaching a level where they can compete internationally, and will provide guidance on the "Defense Industry Support Loan" to be provided to SMEs and subcontractors by the Undersecretariat of Defense Industries (SSM).
