Development of a Method for Priority Setting in Forestry Research Projects in Turkey

Authors: İSMET DAŞDEMİR

Abstract: This paper deals with the priority-setting problem in public research projects in the Turkish forestry sector. For this aim, a combined method has been developed, that is scientific, objective, dynamic, consistent, multidimensional, easily applicable and understandable. The theoretical framework, peculiarities and criteria of the method and weighting of the criteria are explained. Assuring hierarchical multidimensional consistency between the purposes and priorities in the national and sectoral plans with the priorities of forestry research projects was followed for selecting the criteria and weighting them. This method was suggested to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and its application was implemented through a case study in the Research Consulting Workshop consisting of 60 participants to determine the priorities of new 15 forestry research projects on the basis of Turkey. The research projects dealing with plantation, nature conservation, erosion control, range improvement and agroforestry were primarily ranked in accordance with the priorities of development purposes, the National Forestry Program and the Forestry Research Master Plan of Turkey. This means that the method gives successful results and it is applicable. Differences between this method and some other similar methods and its benefits were discussed with regards to the effective use of scarce resources and sustainable development.

Keywords: priority setting, forestry research project, multi-criteria method, sustainable development.

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