A cooperation protocol was signed between OSTİM Defence and Aerospace Cluster (OSSA) and Turkish Aeronautical Association University.
In recent years, the concept of university-industry collaboration, frequently mentioned especially in regional development strategies, is yielding concrete results through activities carried out in OSTİM. Within this framework, THK University, which will welcome its first students in the 2011-2012 academic year, and the Ostim Defence and Aerospace Cluster (OSSA) signed a cooperation protocol for collaborative efforts aimed at the development of the sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, THK University Rector Ünsal Ban stated that the university has many goals. He said that educating students is only one of these goals, but another equally important task is to contribute to the development of the aviation and space industry. Therefore, he said, the question of "what can we do to develop the defense industry?" will always be on their minds, and he considered this cooperation protocol with OSSA as one of the most important steps they have taken towards this goal.
OSTİM OSB Board Chairman Orhan Aydın began his speech by emphasizing the importance of the outcomes of OSSA's work. Aydın stated, "If the domestic industry contribution to the defense industry has increased, if the Undersecretariat of Defense Industry is emphasizing the importance of subcontractors by saying 'It's time to deepen the industry,' and if the Ankara Development Agency is including 'developing the defense industry' as a heading in its development plan, then it means we are doing the right things." Aydın concluded his speech by saying, "Just as we remember Nuri Demirağ with gratitude today, I hope that through our collaborative efforts, we can create works that will earn the gratitude of future generations as well."
With the protocol signed by Orhan Aydın, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone (OSB), Mithat Ertuğ, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OSSA, and Rector Prof. Dr. Ünsal Ban on behalf of THK University, Turkish Aeronautical Association University became a member and solution partner of the Defense and Aerospace, Medical, Construction and Industrial Machinery, and Renewable Energy clusters operating within OSTİM OSB. As part of the collaboration, university faculty members will visit OSSA member companies to provide consultancy services. Furthermore, joint efforts will be made with OSSA member companies regarding internships for students beginning their studies. Competitions will also be organized to encourage and support students in bringing their new ideas to life.
