I am delighted to announce that I have received the official approval notification from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for the project “Manufacturing Practices of Medical Instruments in Innovation Clusters: A Comparative Study of Tuttlingen, Sialkot and Samsun” (project number: 551920228). This research, which I will carry out together with Dr. Gülşah Başkavak, is set to start in 2025 with a funding amount of > €750,000.

The project focuses on the manufacturing practices of medical instruments in three key innovation clusters: Tuttlingen (Germany), Sialkot (Pakistan), and Samsun (Türkiye). These regions, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and technological innovation, are interconnected through global value chains that sustain the production and innovation of surgical instruments.

Using comparative analysis, multi-sited ethnography, and qualitative interviews, the project is situated at the intersection of sociology—focusing on work, craftsmanship, and innovation—and Science and Technology Studies (STS). It explores how regional innovation cultures, historical trajectories, and collaborative practices shape the medical instrument industry. The findings aim to advance theoretical discussions on the interplay between labor, expertise, and innovation, while also providing actionable insights for public policy to enhance collaboration within globally interconnected industries.

Stay tuned—more updates will follow soon!