Seyithan Ahmet ATEŞ

Prof. Seyithan Ahmet ATEŞ is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at Afyon Kocatepe University (ASBU), specializing in Economic Policy. He holds a PhD (Doktor der Sozial- und Wirtschaftswissenschaften) from Technische Universität Wien (2011) and graduate/undergraduate degrees from Vienna University of Economics. He was a visiting scholar at Harvard University (2016-2017). His research focuses on social innovation, sustainable development, gamification for social impact, and overcoming the 'middle welfare trap' through non-monetary methods. He founded the Bostan Institute for Social Innovation in 2015 to drive social development programs. His work integrates design thinking, blockchain applications, and socio-technical systems.

**Education:**

• PhD in Social and Economic Sciences, Technische Universität Wien, 2011
• Graduate/Undergraduate Degrees, Vienna University of Economics

**Professional Experience:**

• Involved in projects at UNIDO and EBRD as investigator/country expert
• Teaching: 'Economy and Development 2.0: New Frontiers', 'Research Methods', 'Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship'

**Research Themes:** Prioritizes innovative solutions for societal challenges, emphasizing sustainability and human-centric development. Active in global initiatives to bridge socio-economic gaps through interdisciplinary approaches.

**Labs/Initiatives:** Leads the Bostan Institute, driving programs focused on social entrepreneurship and community-driven change.