The Changing Role of the State from a Turkish Perspective

Abstract The paper discusses from an institutionalist perspective the role of the state, with an emphasis on ownership traditions (private and public) in the Turkish case. A historical glimpse of ownership traditions is followed by an account of the rationale for both the etatism and 'regulation by participation' as experienced during the Republican era. The paper discusses privatization and the new role of the state. An account is given of the present status of privatization, briefly evaluating the outcome. The effects of ownership structure on efficiency are then discussed. Finally, the new role of the state is outlined, emphasizing the need for a new form of regulation if public firms are to vanish and regulation by participation disappear. Workers' enterprises are suggested as an alternative form of privatization. Arabic Abstract: