Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKÜ) participated in the third “Station Academy Regional Cooperation and Consultation Meeting,” held in Elazığ under the theme “A Joint Journey to the European Ecosystem.” The meeting, hosted by Fırat University, aims to strengthen inter-university cooperation and lay the foundations for the Silk Road Universities Union.

The program was attended by Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu, Gaziantep Metropolitan Mayor Fatma Şahin, Elazığ Mayor Şahin Şerifoğulları, Fırat University Rector Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Göktaş, Ministry of Foreign Affairs European Union Presidency Director General of Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation Bülent Özcan, HKÜ Research Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serkan Aracı, HKÜ Kalyoncu Innovation and Technology Transfer Office (KALİTTO) Director Cengiz Helvacıkara, and HKÜ International Relations Office Coordinator İhsan Kuyumcu.

HKÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan emphasized the role of universities in regional development, stating: “The Station Academy Model offers a valuable structure that transforms the knowledge-generating power of our universities into tangible outcomes by bringing together local governments and industry. As Hasan Kalyoncu University, we will continue to take an active role in sustainable and innovative projects compatible with the European Union ecosystem and contribute to the development of our region.”

Regional meetings organized under the Station Academy Model launched under the leadership of the Gaziantep Governor’s Office and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality to institutionalize public university industry cooperation are ongoing. The first meeting was held at Çukurova University in Adana, the second at Harran University in Şanlıurfa, and the third at Fırat University in Elazığ.

Within this framework, a series of meetings were conducted to discuss innovative and sustainable regional development approaches compatible with the European Union ecosystem. As part of the program, the Advisory Board comprising rectors from 26 universities in 17 cities, local government representatives, chamber presidents affiliated with TOBB, and industry representatives held consultation sessions.

In addition, thematic workshops focusing on the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ Programs were organized, during which evaluations were made regarding regional stakeholders’ participation in international grant mechanisms and the enhancement of their project development capacities.