Strategic approach for industrial area development in Gebze: focusing on interaction in planning process

Abstract

This study is about spatial development of industry in Gebze. By 1980s open-door policies and market-led economies, development of industrial areas has been accelerated in a rapid pace. As examined in case study of Gebze, unplanned and spontaneous industrialization threatens the sustainability of urban and industrial areas. Today, strategic approaches find acceptance in urban literature with logic of ―developing plans with stakeholders instead of developing plans for them‖. In this context, this study aims to explore spatial development of Gebze industry with strategic planning process and stakeholders‘ interaction tools - in particular on organized industrial zones. Through A case study is carried out to examine the stakeholder participation in planning phase of industrial area development to understand the forces behind transformation of Gebze. In the light of theories of strategic planning process and stakeholders‘ interaction, Gebze industrialization is discussed to get in dept analyzes of spatial development of industry that is vitally important for industrialization attempts of Turkey through globalization.