The ILKE Foundation Research Center for Social Thought and Policy (TODAM) hosted a seminar addressing innovative approaches to urban governance. Held at the foundation's headquarters on July 17, 2025, the seminar, titled “Innovative Approaches in Local Governance: Digitalization, Sustainability, and Participation,” discussed the current problems faced by local governments and possible solutions from a multi-layered perspective.

The speakers at the seminar, Prof. Dr. Burak Hamza Eryiğit from Marmara University and Dr. Sezgin Sezgin from Kırklareli University, gave comprehensive presentations on the structural challenges and potential opportunities faced by local governments in Turkey. Eryiğit focused on the structural challenges, constraints, and shortcomings in Turkey's current local government structure that prevent the development of mechanisms enabling citizens' active participation in decision-making processes, rather than limiting urban governance to elections alone. He also noted that digitalization and technological developments tend to reinforce centralization.

Sezgin stated that the concept of smart cities cannot be approached solely as technological integration; it must be considered in conjunction with sustainability, transparency, and social participation. Evaluating smart city applications in Turkey using the examples of Konya and Istanbul, Sezgin stated that these applications have many positive aspects that facilitate urban life, but also carry the risk of turning into a surveillance society, emphasizing data security and the protection of citizens' rights.

During the question-and-answer session following the presentations, participants from local administrations, political parties, academia, media, and civil society organizations engaged in a productive discussion on policy steps to strengthen inclusiveness and sustainability in urban governance. The program served as an essential platform for developing innovative policy approaches in local governance.