Two important protocols were signed between Manisa Celal Bayar University (MCBÜ) and the Manisa Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) with the aim of enhancing the scientific and technical competencies of the region's workforce and strengthening the industry-university collaboration. The signing ceremony, held at the MCBÜ Rectorate, was attended by MCBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, Manisa OSB Board Chairman Sait Türek, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ahmet Çetin, Prof. Dr. Kadir Ay, General Secretary Erhan Doğan, Manisa OSB Regional Manager Funda Karaboran, Manisa OSB Advisory Board Member Nihat Akyol, Director of the Graduate Education Institute Prof. Dr. Kâmil Şirin, and Deputy General Manager of Technopark Prof. Dr. Süleyman Koçak.

The signed agreements include the "Non-Thesis Master's Program Collaboration Protocol," which supports the graduate education of employees, and the "Calibration and Research Infrastructure Cooperation Protocol" between the Manisa OSB Calibration Laboratory and the MCBÜ Research Entrepreneurship and Innovation Coordination (AGYK). These collaborations aim to strengthen the qualified workforce in the region by building bridges between industry and academia.

The "Non-Thesis Master's Program Collaboration Protocol" was first signed in the 2019-2020 academic year and renewed at the signing ceremony. Under this protocol, employees of firms in the Manisa OSB will continue to have the opportunity to enhance their academic knowledge and skills by participating in MCBÜ's Graduate Education Programs. Classes will be held at the Manisa OSB, and the program’s quota and admission requirements will be determined each year based on the needs and demands of the firms in the OSB.

The "Calibration and Research Infrastructure Cooperation Protocol" involves the shared use of the infrastructures of the Manisa OSB Calibration Laboratory and MCBÜ’s AGYK, including scientific analyses, calibration services, and various laboratory facilities. Through this agreement, research infrastructures within AGYK, such as AKÜM, MASTEK, and DEFAM, along with advanced laboratory services like scanning, reverse engineering, metallography, and mechanical testing, will be made available. This will strengthen the research infrastructure for industry-related projects and provide the calibration and testing services needed by businesses in the region.

Manisa OSB Board Chairman Sait Türek expressed his satisfaction, saying, "We are very pleased to strengthen our long-standing cooperation with MCBÜ with these new projects. With these protocols, we aim to enhance the scientific and technical capabilities of our industry. We believe these joint efforts will provide great benefits to both Manisa and our country."

MCBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar also spoke at the signing ceremony, stating, "Providing academic support to meet the needs of our industry is both a great responsibility and a source of pride for us. We believe that this collaboration with Manisa OSB will make significant contributions to the development of the region. Equipping the workforce with knowledge is crucial to increasing the competitive power of the industry." She further emphasized, "University-industry collaboration is the key to innovation and technological development. The protocols we have signed today will be important milestones in achieving this goal."

Through these joint efforts between Manisa Celal Bayar University and Manisa OSB, the aim is to increase knowledge and experience sharing and enhance the global competitive power of the companies in the region.