VISION AND MISSION

Freedom Research Association (FRA) was founded in August 2014 by a group of academics, business people, journalists and legal experts to conduct public policy research with a liberal and scientific approach. FRA envisions a free and prosperous Turkey. The mission of FRA is to promote evidence-based policy making among decision-makers and an informed public debate in Turkey. Freedom Research Association is strongly dedicated to individual liberties, rule of law, peace, fair and competitive markets. We believe that a free and prosperous Turkey can only be founded upon universal human rights, rule of law and a competitive free market economy which deters cronyism. “Institutional Reform” is a key focus area of FRA’s research. Main aims of FRA’s projects on this area are as follows: To explore the suitable ground on which Turkey’s institutions can operate with reference to universal standards To propose necessary reforms which need to be done in processes and structures, based on international best case examples.

CORPORATE STRATEGY

FRA focuses on universal and scientific ethical standards in its work. They formulate their work as inclusive as possible and in accordance with scientific ethical standards. FRA is strictly independent and non-partisan. In order to protect its independence, FRA doesn’t accept public funds from state institutions in accordance with its by-law. Transparency and honesty are taken as the basis both for the internal affairs and public relations. The rules that FRA has determined to ensure the quality of its research are as follows: 

• The main aim and the purpose of the research should be clearly explained. 

• The method of the study should be well formulated and applied throughout the research. 

• The research should provide information/references about the other field works. 

• The research should be based on the most current and valid data available.

• The theses suggested in the research should be clear and justified. 

• The research should improve the knowledge that exists in the field. 

• All researches should bring inclusive policy recommendations. 

• The theses proposed in the research and the proposed policy recommendation should be consistent with the method and findings of the research. 

• All theses and suggestions should be well explained and the weaknesses /deficiencies of the research (if any) should be indicated. 

• The resulting reports should be well structured, clear and understandable. 

• The language used in the research reports should be objective, inclusive, constructive and equidistant to different views. 

• As long as it does not contradict scientific ethical values and the principles of the FRA, no content of any research is intervened based on freedom of opinion. 

• Editorial interventions are the exception to this rule.

GENERAL PROCESS IN THE FRA RESEARCH

1. IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS

To bring together the stakeholders who are relevant to the research topic or the researched institution. The content, limitations and method of the research are determined in accordance with the feedback from these discussion(s).

2. RESEARCH PROCESS

In the research process, the research team guided by a specialist will identify the problems in the field, their causes and their eects and explore international good examples. The results of the research will be presented as a solution to the problem identified at the beginning of the research.

3. ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS TO THE PUBLIC

Organizing a conference, seminar or press conference where the results will be announced to the public. The research team (or its representative) shares the findings and outcomes of the research with the public.

4. ADVOCACY

The final report will be shared with the relevant departments of the universities, public institutions and organizations, media companies and relevant non-governmental organizations. Going to the GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY (to share policy proposals with the MP’s).