Civil Society Organizations as Partners in Providing Public Services in Türkiye: Findings from Focus Group Discussions

Abstract

This study examines the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in public service delivery through a qualitative research design based on focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted in Eskişehir, İzmir, and Trabzon. The findings indicate a broad willingness among public actors to engage CSOs in service processes, while maintaining a public sector led, complementary model of involvement. The FGDs reveal several structural constraints that undermine the sustainability of public-CSO collaboration, including limited institutional infrastructure, ambiguity in roles and responsibilities, rigid bureaucratic procedures, project-based funding structures, and disparities in organizational capacity. Participants emphasize that sustainable collaboration requires clearer role definitions and accountability frameworks, the establishment of predictable and long-term financing mechanisms, and the development of phased and performance-based participation arrangements. Overall, the findings demonstrate that effective public-CSO collaboration depends not only on normative support for participation but also on the institutionalization of stable governance, financing, and coordination mechanisms that can sustain long-term engagement.