Nakgyu Lee, Director of Saenggiwon, "Full Effort for Localization of SME Technology"

Nakgyu Lee, the 12th President of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology.

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Lee Nak-gyu, the newly appointed president of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, emphasized "the localization of technology for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)" as his inaugural message.

In his inaugural speech, President Lee stated, "The social expectations for technology localization and the demand for support in technological innovation from small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized companies are higher than ever," adding, "In response to these demands, we must find the role and presence of the Institute of Industrial Technology as a specialized research institution for manufacturing innovation."

He particularly noted, "The top priority is to achieve qualitative excellence aligned with the institution's mission and to secure trust as a partner in technological innovation for SMEs and mid-sized companies," and explained, "To this end, we plan to focus on intensive management innovation, the formation of a healthy organizational culture, and strengthening strategic technological cooperation with other innovation entities."

President Lee also presented detailed strategies including ▲ enhancing national strategic technology competitiveness through securing core manufacturing technologies ▲ leading manufacturing technology innovation for SMEs and mid-sized companies ▲ reorganizing organizational, budgetary, and evaluation systems to create a vibrant research environment ▲ establishing and settling an organizational culture of passion and empathy.

President Lee will lead the institute for the next three years starting from today. The inauguration ceremony was held online in accordance with government policies for COVID-19 response.

Meanwhile, President Lee joined the Institute of Industrial Technology in 2001 and has served as director of the Convergence Production Technology Research Center, head of the Microfactory Project Group, and director of the 3D Printing Manufacturing Innovation Center. He graduated from Hanyang University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and earned a master's degree in Production Engineering and a doctorate in Precision Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

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