İstanbul Planlama Ajansı

What İstanbul Planlama Ajansı does

İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (İPA) is a municipal planning and research agency established in 2020 under İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi (İBB), the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. It operates as a "collective intelligence mechanism" combining İBB, civil society, universities, the private sector, international institutions, and Istanbul's 16 million residents to produce evidence-based urban research and strategic planning for Istanbul. İPA's core function is to generate current qualitative and quantitative data on Istanbul's social, economic, and demographic dynamics and to convert that data into short-, medium-, and long-term policy recommendations covering spatial planning, transportation planning, climate, food systems, and social policy for disadvantaged groups.

İPA's product portfolio is built around recurring monthly research instruments — İstanbul Barometresi (monthly surveys of 700+ residents on social, economic, and demographic topics), İstanbul'da Yaşam Maliyeti (monthly household cost-of-living tracking), and Gündem Araştırmaları (monthly public-opinion agenda research) — supplemented by an annual İPA İstanbul Dergisi (13 issues from 2021 to 2025), strategic planning documents (İstanbul İklim Vizyonu, İstanbul Gıda Strateji Belgesi, Vizyon 2050), a podcast series, and an İPA Kampüs campus in Florya Atatürk Forest that houses the İPA İstanbul Kitaplığı (specialized urban-studies library with 20,000+ books and 40,000-book capacity), the 300-seat Havuz conference hall, the 450 sqm Hangar workshop/exhibition space, and program venues for İPA Ders, İPA Habitat, İPA Oda, İPA Dijital, İPA Sergi, and İPA Gençlik Platformu. Distribution is entirely free through the ipa.istanbul website as PDFs, flipbooks, and infographics, plus physical access at the campus and library.

İPA has no commercial revenue model; it is fully funded through the İBB municipal budget and operates as a public-good producer. Its go-to-market is institutional: outputs are directed at İBB departments for policy use, with secondary audiences of academics (via the Misafir Araştırmacı Programı), universities (İPA Ders), and the general public (E-Bülten newsletter, podcast, and survey participation). Strategic partnerships include İBB, Turkish universities (Prof. Dr. Hilal Elver, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Koç, Dr. Bülent Şık, Prof. Dr. İlhan Tekeli, KONDA's Bekir Ağardır), civil society organizations, the private sector, and the International (Metropolitan) Planning Agencies Network (MTPA).

Name

İstanbul Planlama Ajansı

Legal name

İstanbul Planlama Ajansı

Website

https://ipa.istanbul

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (İPA) is a municipal planning and research agency under İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi, founded in 2020 to produce data-driven urban research, strategic planning documents, and participatory policy recommendations for Istanbul's 16 million residents. All outputs are free public goods funded through the municipal budget.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Bakırköy

HQ country

Türkiye

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Municipal Budget Funding: As a municipal government agency (İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi), İPA is funded through the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality budget. No commercial revenue streams are indicated; all publications and services are free public goods.

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

İPA is a municipal research and planning agency that produces data-driven strategic planning documents, monthly social-economic research bulletins, cost-of-living studies, and policy recommendations for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. It operates the İPA Kampüs research campus, which includes a 40,000-capacity urban studies library, conference and exhibition venues, and guest-researcher programs, and publishes an annual interdisciplinary İPA İstanbul Dergisi. All outputs are delivered as free public goods funded through the İBB municipal budget.

Product overview

İstanbul Planlama Ajansı (İPA) operates as a research and planning agency under the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, established in 2020. The organization functions as a 'collective intelligence mechanism' producing knowledge about Istanbul and planning its future. The product portfolio centers on research publications and data services including İstanbul Barometresi (monthly social-economic data bulletin), Gündem Araştırmaları (public opinion surveys), and İstanbul'da Yaşam Maliyeti Araştırması (cost of living studies). These core research products are complemented by the İPA İstanbul Dergisi (annual interdisciplinary journal), strategic documents (İstanbul İklim Vizyonu, İstanbul Gıda Strateji Belgesi), and the İPA Podcast series. The İPA Kampüs campus provides physical venues including HAVUZ (conference/seminar space), HANGAR (workshop/exhibition area), and the İPA İstanbul Kitaplığı (specialized library with 20,000+ books). Educational programs include İPA Ders, İPA Habitat, İPA Gençlik Platformu, and a Misafir Araştırmacı Programı for visiting researchers. Service offerings span spatial planning, transportation planning, data management, and participatory process management. All offerings are publications, research services, and physical facilities rather than software products or digital platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• İPA İstanbul Dergisi: Annual research and thought journal published by İPA covering Istanbul's social, economic, ecological, political and cultural topics
• İstanbul Barometresi
• İstanbul'da Yaşam Maliyeti
• İPA Ders
• İPA Habitat
• İPA Oda
• İPA Dijital
• İPA Sergi
• İPA Gençlik Platformu
• İPA İstanbul Kitaplığı
• Misafir Araştırmacı Programı
• Vizyon 2050
• İPA Podcast

Products and services

• İstanbul Barometresi (Istanbul Barometer) Monthly data bulletin that tracks Istanbul residents' social, economic, and demographic dynamics through periodic surveys of 700+ residents, providing reliable current findings for İBB and the public.
• Gündem Araştırmaları (Agenda Research) Monthly survey research measuring Istanbul residents' views on domestic, urban, and national agendas, economic situation, social conditions, and expectations.
• İstanbul'da Yaşam Maliyeti Araştırması (Istanbul Cost of Living Research) Monthly research tracking the cost of living for families and individuals in Istanbul, analyzing economic impacts and price changes of consumer goods (e.g., 61,523 TL in May 2024 vs. 29,429 TL in January 2023 for a four-person family).
• Öğrenci Yaşam Maliyeti Araştırması (Student Living Cost Research) Specialized study calculating the monthly and annual living costs for university students in Istanbul, covering accommodation, food, utilities, transportation, and other expenses.
• İPA İstanbul Dergisi (İPA Istanbul Journal) Annual interdisciplinary journal covering Istanbul's urban, social, economic, ecological, political, and cultural topics, featuring academic research, interviews, and field studies; 13 issues published 2021–2025.
• İstanbul İklim Vizyonu (Istanbul Climate Vision) Strategic planning document addressing Istanbul's climate challenges and outlining vision for climate-resilient urban development.
• İstanbul Gıda Strateji Belgesi (Istanbul Food Strategy Document) Comprehensive food strategy document covering Istanbul's agricultural and food systems, with eight focus areas including rural protection, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• Kent Gündemi Araştırmaları (Urban Agenda Research) Research publications on urban agenda topics providing analysis and insights on Istanbul's urban development and planning issues.
• İPA Podcast (İstanbul ve İnovasyon Konuşmaları) Podcast series featuring conversations on innovation and Istanbul-related topics, including the 'İstanbul ve İnovasyon Konuşmaları' series.
• İPA Kampüs (Campus) 100,000 sqm public research campus in Florya Atatürk Forest hosting venues for seminars, workshops, meetings, and events including HAVUZ (300-seat conference/seminar hall), HANGAR (450 sqm workshop/exhibition), and Hobi/Toplantı Odası (120 sqm, 50-seat meeting room).
• İPA İstanbul Kitaplığı (Istanbul Urban Studies Library) Specialized library (Istanbul Urban Studies Library) with over 20,000 print books and digital resources focused on Istanbul and urban studies, including a Guest Researcher Program and integration with İBB Library and e-Devlet systems.
• Vizyon 2050 (Vision 2050) Long-term strategic vision document for Istanbul's development through 2050, addressing climate, mobility, infrastructure, and urban life.
• İstanbul Çevre Düzeni Planı (Istanbul Environmental Layout Plan) Istanbul Environmental Layout Plan providing framework for environmental protection and sustainable development.
• Mekansal Planlama (Spatial Planning) Spatial planning services for Istanbul's urban development and land use.
• Ulaşım Planlama (Transportation Planning) Transportation planning services for Istanbul's mobility and transit systems.
• Strateji Belgeleri ve Eylem Planları (Strategic Documents and Action Plans) Development of strategic documents and action plans for Istanbul's short, medium, and long-term development.
• Katılımcı Süreç Yönetimi (Participatory Process Management) Participatory process management services engaging citizens and stakeholders in planning decisions.
• Veri Yönetimi ve Karar Destek (Data Management and Decision Support) Data management and decision support services providing evidence-based insights for policy development.
• Hizmet Kalite Yönetim Modeli (Service Quality Management Model) Service quality management model for monitoring and improving municipal service delivery.
• Misafir Araştırmacı Programı (Guest Researcher Program) Guest researcher program supporting researchers with workspace and priority services at the İPA İstanbul Library for Istanbul-focused scientific studies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Monthly Istanbul Barometer surveys conducted with 700+ Istanbul residents on social, economic, and demographic topics
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi (İBB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerİPA was established in 2020 as a municipal planning agency affiliated with Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi). İBB is the primary institutional partner and funding source.
• Universities and Academic InstitutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerİPA collaborates with academics and universities for research projects, guest researcher programs (Misafir Araştırmacı Programı), and campus activities (İPA Ders). Specific collaborators include Prof. Dr. Hilal Elver, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Koç, and Dr. Bülent Şık (Istanbul Food Strategy Document); Prof. Dr. İlhan Tekeli; KONDA General Manager Bekir Ağırdır; and others.
• Civil Society OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerİPA works with civil society organizations as part of its multi-stakeholder collective intelligence model, contributing to participatory planning and policy development processes.
• International InstitutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerİPA collaborates with international institutions as part of its mandate to develop Istanbul's planning in line with global best practices.
• Private SectorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerİPA includes private sector stakeholders in its multi-stakeholder collaborative model for urban planning and policy development.
• İstanbul Residents (İstanbullular)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerİPA involves Istanbul residents directly in research through surveys (Istanbul Barometer, Gündem Araştırmaları), participatory planning processes, and public consultation on strategic documents (e.g., Istanbul Food Strategy Document open for public comment).
• Metropolitan Planning Agencies Association (MTPA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerİPA became a member of the International (Metropolitan) Planning Agencies Network (MTPA).
• İstanbul Statistics OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContributed data and analysis to İPA İstanbul Magazine issues, including Istanbul COVID-19 effects indicators.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Barcelona Regional: Urban planning and knowledge agency serving the Barcelona metropolitan area. Closely comparable as a dedicated municipal-level entity producing data-driven urban research, strategic plans, and territorial analyses for a major European metropolitan area.
• Metropolitan Planning Council (Chicago): Nonprofit planning organization producing regional research, policy analysis, and civic engagement for the Chicago metropolitan area. Comparable as a metropolitan-level body producing strategic plans and stakeholder-driven policy work.
• Atelier Parisien d'Urbanisme (APUR): Paris metropolitan urban planning agency producing studies, data, and strategic documents for the City of Paris. Directly comparable as a municipal urban research agency generating ongoing publications and policy analyses.

Broad incumbents

• UN-Habitat: United Nations programme working on sustainable urban development globally. Comparable in mandate to support evidence-based urban planning, city data collection, and strategic policy guidance at the metropolitan level.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Urban Development Bureau: Government bureau responsible for urban planning, transportation, and housing policy in Tokyo. Comparable as a metropolitan authority producing long-horizon city planning frameworks and policy recommendations.
• NYC Department of City Planning: Municipal agency responsible for land use and strategic planning in New York City. Directly comparable as a city-level government body producing zoning, housing, and urban development plans with public stakeholder engagement.
• Greater London Authority: Strategic authority overseeing planning, housing, transport, and economic development for London. Comparable as a metropolitan-level public planning body that produces citywide data, strategy documents, and policy recommendations.

Emerging players

• Urban Institute: Washington D.C.-based research organization focused on urban policy, housing, and economic inclusion. Comparable as a research entity producing data-driven policy recommendations for city governments and metropolitan stakeholders.

Others

• Lincoln Institute of Land Policy: Independent research organization focused on land policy, urban planning, and taxation. Comparable as an institution producing data-driven research, strategic documents, and educational programs related to urban development.
• Istanbul Statistics Office (TÜİK / İBB): Government statistical agency producing demographic and economic data for Istanbul. Comparable as an adjacent public-sector data producer with overlapping research outputs on Istanbul's social and economic dynamics.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ipaistanbul

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about İstanbul Planlama Ajansı