Support for 6 R&D Small Giant Zones... Decision Next Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] A total of seven regions have applied for support as Gangso Special Zones, self-sufficient R&D special zones directly managing research, housing, industry, and culture.

The Ministry of Science and ICT held the final presentation for candidate regions for Gangso Special Zone designation on the 22nd of this month.

First, Ulsan Ulju announced a plan to establish a future battery special zone centered on Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology as the core technology institution and Bancheon General Industrial Complex. The goal is to create a 'C-Innostry Cluster' linked with private investment platforms such as large corporations.

Chungnam Cheonan·Asan presented a plan to build a next-generation automobile parts innovation cluster at Pungse General Industrial Complex with the Korea Automotive Technology Institute as the core institution. Jeonbuk Gunsan applied for the Gangso Special Zone aiming for industrial structure diversification using excellent hinterland conditions such as Saemangeum Industrial Complex and the second leap of Gunsan. Gyeongbuk Gumi applied with plans to create a testbed in the smart manufacturing system field and a Gumi-type win-win model.

Seoul Hongneung proposed to create a 'Digital Healthcare' medical cluster centered on core technology institutions such as KIST, Korea University, and Kyung Hee University in the Hongneung area. Jeonnam Naju applied for the Gangso Special Zone with a plan to establish a regional innovation ecosystem focused on 'Intelligent Solar Power and Energy Storage' by combining Korea Electric Power Corporation and Naju Energy Valley. In addition, Gyeongnam Yangsan also applied but the review was suspended due to failure to submit requested materials.

The government will begin deliberations on the final Gangso Special Zone plan through the Research and Development Special Zone Committee next month. The designation of Gangso Special Zones will be decided based on the resolution results of that day. Since November last year, the government has launched an expert committee to proceed with additional Gangso Special Zone designations. Last year, a total of six Gangso Special Zones were designated.

Gangso Special Zones are a new R&D special zone model aiming to be small-scale, high-density public technology commercialization hubs centered on core technology institutions with excellent innovation capabilities. Once designated as a Gangso Special Zone, the region can receive government support such as technology commercialization funds, infrastructure, tax benefits, and regulatory exemptions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.