The opening ceremony of the "Specialization Universities Workshop," hosted by Kastamonu University, was held on October 6, 2025, in the Central Library Cemil Meriç Hall.

The ceremony was attended by our Vice Rectors, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük and Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, as well as representatives from 25 universities specializing in specific fields, academics, and students. The program began with a moment of silence and the playing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a screening of the Kastamonu University trailer. 

Assoc.  Prof.Dr.  Emre Birinci, the Specialization Coordinator for Forestry and Nature Tourism at Kastamonu University, who gave the opening speech, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences gained during the specialization process, disseminating successful practices, and finding common solutions to encountered problems.

Stating that the thematic tables in the workshop will play a critical role in this process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Birinci said, "I believe that we will create a strong synergy with our shared knowledge and transform this synergy into concrete policy recommendations. "The workshop outputs will be shaped in line with the principles of environmental sensitivity, scientific rigor, and public benefit," he said. 

Following this, our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, took the floor and stated that universities are not only responsible for producing knowledge, but also play a significant role in transforming this knowledge into ecosystems that serve innovation and regional development. 

Stating that universities have taken on multi-layered roles in this process, from regional integration to training a qualified workforce, from developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem to providing R&D and consulting services, Prof. Dr. Küçük used the following expressions:  "Today, not only faculties related to the field of specialization but also all components of the university need to be involved in the process. It is extremely valuable that all of our units, from communication and public relations to business, management, organization, marketing, engineering, design, and education, are directly or indirectly involved in specialization efforts during this process. On the other hand, producing policies and strategies at the regional and national level by spreading specialization not only to the university but to the entire city, and even transforming these into national policies, is among the important goals we need to pursue in the coming period. "

Prof. Dr. Küçük stated that the workshop provided a significant opportunity to share experiences gained in the specialization field and develop solutions to the challenges encountered.

The two-day workshop will conclude on October 7, 2025, announcing the final statement following sessions conducted in six thematic groups.