Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of International Management Educational and Economics Perspectives, cilt.2, sa.13, ss.85-106, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)
The trade dynamics within a region play a critical role in shaping its economic growth by facilitating market access, fostering innovation, and attracting investments, driving therefore sustainable development. This study focuses on the TR72 region of Türkiye, which comprises the provinces of Kayseri, Yozgat, and Sivas, and examines its foreign trade structure also through the lens of intra-industry trade (IIT) over the period 2013–2023. Employing the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) for technological categorization and utilizing the Grubel-Lloyd index, one of the most widely applied methods for IIT analysis, the study provides a detailed sectoral examination of trade flows in the region.
The findings highlight significant variation in trade performance among the provinces. Kayseri demonstrates a strong integration into global markets, supported in part by the operational advantages offered by its Free Trade Zone. In contrast, Yozgat and Sivas tend to one-way trade, indicating relatively low levels of intra-industry trade, which suggests a need for targeted policy interventions. Improving industrial infrastructure and introducing region-specific trade incentives, particularly in designated areas such as the Nuri Demirağ Organized Industrial Zone in Sivas, could enhance competitiveness and promote balanced regional development.