Sakarya University (SAU) actively collaborates with Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality and relevant public authorities on sustainable urban planning, climate adaptation, smart city development, transportation, and environmental resource management.
Through interdisciplinary research, technical expertise, and participation in public planning processes, the University contributes to evidence-based solutions addressing urban challenges beyond its campus boundaries.
During 2025, these collaborations included participation in local climate adaptation planning, citizen-centred smart city research, regional water management, and urban transportation initiatives.
Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030)
Sakarya University contributed to the preparation of the Sakarya Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan (YUSEP) 2025–2030, supporting the integration of climate resilience into local development and environmental planning.
The official YUSEP 2025–2030 document, published by the Presidency of Climate Change, establishes a framework for addressing climate-related risks and strengthening the resilience of urban infrastructure, environmental systems, and local communities.
The University's involvement is documented in its 2025 Sustainability Report (pages 63–64), demonstrating its contribution to local public policy development and sustainable regional planning.
Citizen-Centred Smart City Planning
Sakarya University coordinates the TÜBİTAK 3005-supported project “Smart Cities for Everyone: Developing a Citizen-Centred Smart City Action Plan within an Effective Governance Framework” (Project No. 223K162), implemented during 2024–2026.
The project supports the development of a participatory smart city strategy and action plan for Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, covering all 16 districts of Sakarya.
According to the University's Sakarya Economic and Social Research Center (SESAM), the published research results include consultation with 1,258 residents and 145 stakeholder representatives and a proposed Sakarya Smart City Strategy and Action Plan for 2025–2029.
As the project continued beyond 2025, these are presented as the project's overall published findings rather than outcomes confirmed as completed during 2025.
This initiative demonstrates how university-led research, public participation, and interdisciplinary expertise contribute to municipal planning and inclusive urban development.
Sustainable Urban Transportation and Campus Rail Connectivity
Sakarya University's Esentepe Campus is included in the planned Adapazarı–Serdivan–University Campus Tramway Line, developed by Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with national transportation authorities.
The proposed rail system aims to improve public transport connections between central Adapazarı, Serdivan, and the university campus, providing a sustainable alternative to private vehicle use.
According to Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality's announcement of 28 July 2025, geotechnical investigations were completed along the planned rail corridor, including 80 boreholes, as part of the project's technical preparation.
Although the tramway was not operational in 2025, the inclusion of the University campus in the proposed route demonstrates the integration of campus accessibility into the city's sustainable transportation planning. The project is presented as a municipal planning initiative affecting the University, rather than a rail project independently developed by SAU.
Regional Water Management and Sapanca Lake Protection
Sakarya University contributes academic expertise to regional environmental planning through participation in water resource management and conservation initiatives.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's announcement of 10 October 2025 documents the Sakarya and Susurluk River Basins Sectoral Water Allocation Planning Project, addressing water availability, sectoral demand, and sustainable resource allocation.
In addition, Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality announced on 12 August 2025 that 112 action measures had been identified to support Sapanca Lake protection and drought resilience.
Sakarya University's participation in these regional planning processes and its academic support for the Sapanca Lake Action Plan are documented in the 2025 Sustainability Report (pages 63–64).
These collaborations demonstrate the University's contribution to public-sector planning concerning water security, environmental sustainability, and regional resilience.
Overall Assessment
Sakarya University demonstrates active and publicly documented engagement with local authorities in sustainable urban planning and regional development.
Its contributions to climate adaptation planning, citizen-centred smart city research, and regional water management, together with the inclusion of its campus in municipal rail transit planning, reflect the integration of academic expertise and university-related needs into wider urban development processes.
Supported by government publications, municipal announcements, documented research projects, and institutional reports, these activities provide evidence of Sakarya University's contribution to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, particularly sustainable urbanisation, transportation planning, and climate resilience.
