An Evaluation of the Free Trade Zones Performance with Data Envelopment Analysis in Turkey

In this study, information is given about definitions and general characteristics of the free zones, brief history of their emergence both in the world and Turkey, positive and negative effects, types, provisions of incentives and assistance given to these territories. In addition to Turkey, the structures and activities of free zones around the world have been examined. In the application chapter, information is given about Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The data of 18 free zones operating in Turkey and the activities of these regions have been evaluated with each of BCC and CCR Analysis Methods of Data Envelopment Technique. At the end of the evaluation, the improvements needed to ensure the effectiveness of the inactive free zones within the 18 free zones have been determined as an analysis result. In addition, the results of all two methods have been evaluated comparatively