16.2.4. Participatory bodies for stakeholder engagement

Middle East Technical University (METU) operates structured institutional participatory bodies through which local stakeholders—including local government representatives, public bodies, industry leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), alumni, faculty, staff, and students—take an active, meaningful role in university decision-making and long-term governance. Operating in compliance with the national Regulation on Procedures and Principles Concerning Strategic Plans Prepared by Public Administrations, METU conducts multi-stakeholder governance through Strategic Planning Area Commissions (SPAK), the University Strategic Planning Support Team (ÜSPDE), broad-scale Sharing Conferences, and ongoing Thematic Working Groups.

1. Institutional Governance Structure & Participatory Bodies

University Strategic Planning Support Team (ÜSPDE): A 12-member coordinating executive body establishing multi-stakeholder engagement frameworks and reporting mechanisms.

Strategic Planning Area Commissions (SPAK): Comprising 154 appointed members alongside dozens of volunteers across eight specialized governance domains:

1. Education and Instruction
2. Research and Development
3. Social Contribution
4. Internationalization
5. Human Resources
6. Financial Resources
7. Physical Resources
8. Information Resources

Representation of External & Local Stakeholders: SPAK bodies integrate external representatives from METU Teknokent A.Ş., the METU Development Foundation, Northern Cyprus and Erdemli campuses, local municipalities, public institutions, industrial partners, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

2. Multi-Stakeholder Decision-Making Mechanisms & Public Conferences

Stakeholder Focus Groups, Surveys, and Interviews

Throughout the strategic plan formulation, SPAK bodies conducted systematic interviews, focus group meetings, and perception surveys engaging external civil society representatives, public authorities, local industry partners, departmental units, alumni, and students.

2023-2027 Strategic Plan Situation Assessment Sharing Conference (June 24–25, 2021)

METU convened a comprehensive two-day Sharing Conference attended by nearly 250 internal and external stakeholders representing civil society, local government bodies, public agencies, and academic units to review institutional situation assessments and evaluate proposed strategic targets.

Interactive Strategic Workshop & Active Thematic Working Groups

• Draft Plan Evaluation: On March 28, 2022, internal and external stakeholder representatives gathered for full-day evaluation sessions to review objectives, targets, and action steps across all strategic themes.

• Student & Leadership Participation: Direct participation was ensured by 54 selected METU Climate Ambassadors (chosen from 218 student applicants), active administrative staff, members of the ODTÜ İKLİM Board, and METU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, who joined thematic group discussions directly.

• Ongoing Operational Working Groups: The workshop established permanent Thematic Working Groups that continue to convene at regular intervals to drive the continuous development and implementation of the university’s Climate Action Plan.