Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the innovation efficiency at the regional level in Turkey and to reveal the performance ranking of the efficient regions. Output-oriented BCC and Super Efficiency Model of data envelopment analysis were used as methods. For the analysis, three inputs (R&D Expenditure, R&D Human Resources, Higher Education Resource) and three outputs (High Technology Exports, Patent, Trademark) variables for regional innovation measurement were used. As the time dimension of the research, 2019, which is the most recent year in which the data of all variables can be accessed, was taken as basis. 10 of the 26 TR Nuts 2 regions have been identified as efficient regions in terms of regional innovation. The performance ranking of these efficient regions according to their super efficiency scores was determined as TR10, TRC1, TR72, TR83, TR41, TR22, TR33, TR63, TRC2 and TRC3 regions. Reference units and target values are included in the study, so that inefficient regions can reach efficiency. This study differs from other studies in the literature in that it detects and compares innovation efficiency at the regional level in 26 regions of Turkey (Nuts II). The year 2019, which was chosen as the time dimension of the study, is important in terms of providing a very up-to-date contribution to the literature. In addition to determining the innovation efficiency among regions, making a performance ranking among regions with super efficiency scores is another crucial contribution of the study.