Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth calls for sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Doğuş University fosters these aims by preparing students for the workforce, promoting entrepreneurship, and upholding fair labor practices. 

• Career Development Center: Doğuş University’s Career Center provides extensive support to ensure students transition into decent work. The center hosts career fairs, inviting companies to campus to recruit graduates, and conducts regular workshops on CV writing, interview skills, and professional ethics. It also connects students with internship opportunities in various industries. By equipping young people with job skills and linking them to employers, the university directly supports SDG 8’s target of productive employment for youth. 

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The university cultivates an entrepreneurial spirit which can drive economic growth. The Entrepreneurship Club at Doğuş organizes pitching competitions and mentorship programs for student startups. Additionally, the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) assists student and faculty entrepreneurs in developing business plans and securing funding for innovative ventures. Some alumni startups originating from DOU have created new jobs in tech and design sectors. These efforts align with Goal 8 by promoting sustained economic growth through innovation and decent job creation. 

• Curriculum and Research: Academic programs in Economics and Business Administration teach inclusive and sustainable economic principles. Students engage with topics like sustainable finance, corporate social responsibility, and labor economics. Faculty research at DOU often addresses local and national economic challenges – for instance, improving SMEs’ productivity or examining labor market trends. By generating knowledge that can inform policy and business practices, the university contributes to sustainable economic growth in Türkiye. 

• Equal and Fair Work Environment: Within the university itself, labor rights and decent working conditions are a priority. Doğuş University adheres to fair hiring practices, provides staff development training, and maintains a safe, inclusive workplace. There is zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment in employment, reflecting SDG 8’s emphasis on protecting labor rights. The university also ensures that on-campus service workers (cleaning, cafeteria staff, etc.) are employed under fair contracts with proper benefits. This ethical approach sets an example of decent work standards. 

• Public-Private Collaboration: Through partnerships like the Dudullu OSB sustainable finance protocol. Doğuş University works with businesses and banks to foster economic growth that is green and inclusive. By advising industries on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices and training local workforce in new skills, the university helps modernize industries sustainably. Such collaborations amplify the impact on regional economic development and employment, advancing SDG 8 beyond the campus. 

• Research and Projects Highlights: 

• TÜBİTAK Industry Project: “Developing a Data-Based Retail Forecasting System with Collective Learning Methods” (2018–2019) – Prof. Mitat Uysal (DOU) in collaboration with OBASE A.Ş. This TÜBİTAK-funded project (₺300k) built an AI-powered demand forecasting system for retail businesses. By improving supply-chain efficiency and reducing waste, it helps companies remain profitable and maintain steady employment – contributing to decent work and economic resilience (SDG 8). 

• Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Doğuş University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) has supported over a dozen student and faculty startups in the last five years. Several received TÜBİTAK 1512 grants for tech entrepreneurship, leading to new business ventures. These startups have created quality jobs in fields like fintech and design, exemplifying SDG 8 by fostering entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth. 

• Selected Sample Publications: 

• Economic Policy Research: “The impact of economic policy uncertainty on the profitability of textile industry: evidence from BRIC countries” (2025) – M.S. Çakır & A. Ova. This study in Applied Economics finds that unclear policies negatively affect industrial. It underscores the importance of stable, inclusive economic policies for business continuity and job retention, supporting SDG 8’s focus on sustainable growth and employment. 

• Sustainable Tourism Study: “Identifying rejuvenation strategies in micro tourism destinations: the case of Kaş” (2024) – B. Aydın & E.O. Aksöz. DOU researchers analyzed a small Turkish tourism town and recommended strategies (diversifying attractions, community training) to boost its economy. Implementing these strategies can create local jobs and promote year-round decent work in tourism, aligning with Goal 8.  

• Occupational Health and Safety: “Women's Entrepreneurship and Occupational Health and Safety: A Study from the Perspective of Sustainable Development” (2025)- Candır Şimşek, H. In the study, which examines women's entrepreneurship in Turkey from the perspective of occupational health and safety (OHS), the aim is to analyze the status of women entrepreneurs regarding OHS, to understand their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences on the subject, and ultimately to identify the challenges they face. Goal 8.