Launch of 'K-New Deal's Beginning, Regional Innovation Platform'

Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional University Presidents' Council Holds Community Forum

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju-Jeonnam regional innovation platform project, marking the beginning of the ‘K-New Deal,’ has officially launched.

The Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional University Presidents’ Council (Chairman Kim Hyukjong) announced on the 28th that it held the 3rd Regional Society Forum, which included an introduction and launch ceremony for the ‘Start of the K-New Deal, Gwangju-Jeonnam Regional Innovation Platform Project,’ at the Chonnam National University Convention Hall.

The forum was attended by 15 university presidents and officials from the Gwangju-Jeonnam region, including Jeong Byeongseok, President of Chonnam National University, local government officials such as Lee Yongseop, Mayor of Gwangju, and Song Sangrak, Vice Governor of Jeonnam Province, as well as representatives of innovation institutions like Kim Seonmin, Director of Gwangju Technopark, and officials from the Ministry of Education.

The forum was broadcast live in real-time via YouTube.

Professor Naju Mong (Standing Member of the Chonnam National University Future Committee), who gave a presentation, stated, “Due to population imbalance between the metropolitan area and provinces, changes in the regional economic environment caused by COVID-19, and the decrease in local jobs and outflow of young talent, local governments urgently need future strategic industries, and the 40 regional universities also require efficient utilization of their resources. However, until now, there has been a lack of cooperation between local governments and universities, strategic utilization of the capabilities of regional universities has been insufficient, and even role-sharing through individual university policy support has not been properly achieved.”

He continued, “With the start of the ‘Korean New Deal Policy,’ which aims to advance the economic structure, create sustainable jobs, overcome economic crises, and promote changes in the economic and social structure, this should be seen as an opportunity for regional innovation. In particular, universities, as key players in the innovation growth ecosystem, should work with local governments to reduce population outflow and secure growth engines, collaborate with innovation institutions such as Technoparks to leverage existing capabilities, and support regional companies in securing young talent and strengthening corporate competitiveness.”

He added, “For the success of the project, an organization should be formed centered on the Regional Cooperation Committee, including the Platform Promotion Headquarters, University Education Innovation Headquarters, Energy New Industry Development Team, and Future Mobility Development Team, and strategic tasks should be promptly implemented.”

Professor Jo Seongyong (Chonnam National University) proposed three major tasks and 13 sub-tasks in the energy new industry sector, considering the suitability of industrial linkage in Gwangju-Jeonnam and the connectivity among local governments, universities, and industries: ▲Training convergence talents and technology development for future energy efficiency improvement ▲Training talents and technology development for climate change response-type renewable energy ▲Training practical personnel for energy new industry startups.

Professor Jo Dooyeon (Mokpo National University) presented three major tasks and 14 sub-tasks in the future mobility sector based on an analysis of shipbuilding, automobile, E-mobility, drones, and parts and materials industries: ▲Eco-friendly smart ships ▲Advanced parts and materials ▲Future mobility.

The tasks presented on this day will be promoted through detailed coordination processes among the university-led main institutions, participating universities, and collaborative companies.

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