What is the Future Strategy of Incheon Bio-Cluster? ... Heo Jong-sik Publishes National Assembly Audit Policy Report

AI-Based Biopharmaceutical Cluster Infrastructure Development
Evolving into a Convergent Biohealth Valley Including Wellness Demand
Incheon Economic Agency and Incheon TP Introduce Support Organization 'Coordinating Center'

Democratic Party of Korea Representative Heo Jong-sik

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Democratic Party lawmaker Heo Jongsik (Incheon Dong-gu·Michuhol-gu Gap) has released the 2020 National Assembly Inspection Policy Report titled "Future Strategy for Incheon City Bio Cluster."

Through this report, Rep. Heo disclosed the current status of bio-related companies and research institutions in the Incheon area and presented strategic tasks for the success of the Incheon Bio Health Valley.

Incheon City failed to be designated as a government advanced medical complex in 2009, but since then, it has grown into a production hub led by bio-manufacturing specialists such as Celltrion and Samsung Biologics, enabling the creation of a differentiated business model called the "Incheon Bio Health Valley" distinct from the advanced medical complex. Based on this, Rep. Heo explained that the report was issued with the judgment that strategic preparation is necessary.

The policy report introduces the status of 49 related companies and institutions based in Incheon, including pharmaceutical manufacturers (5 companies) such as Celltrion, Samsung Biologics, Dong-A Socio Group, Binex, and Janssen Vaccines; process support (7 companies); medical devices (5 companies); research and services (6 companies); talent development and support (5 companies); and bio ventures (21 companies).

Furthermore, recently, with the attraction of the "Bio Pharmaceutical Process and Development Specialized Workforce Training Center" and the approval of the designation of the "Bio Convergence Industrial Technology Complex," Incheon's status as a rising bio cluster has been strengthened.

Perspective view of the 'Bio-Convergence Industrial Technology Complex' to be developed by 2024 in District 11, Songdo International City, Incheon [Provided by Incheon City]

Rep. Heo stated, "Whether an open innovation ecosystem involving industry, academia, research, and hospitals is established will determine the future of the Incheon Bio Health Valley," adding, "It is important to create an innovative ecosystem where the bio startup ecosystem, the research and development capabilities of local hospitals, and the capabilities and experiences of anchor companies are linked and integrated."

He continued, "Given that capable hospitals such as Gil Hospital (research-oriented hospital and efficacy evaluation center), Inha University Hospital (efficacy evaluation center), and the planned Songdo Severance Hospital are located here, local medical institutions should emerge as key partners mediating the bio cluster model."

As strategic tasks, he suggested establishing physical infrastructure capable of attracting an AI (artificial intelligence)-based bio new drug cluster within the planned bio cluster site in Songdo District 11, and evolving into a convergent bio health valley that includes precision medicine and wellness demand linked to foreign patient visits.

He also argued that a "coordinating center" should be introduced to enable individually operated support organizations such as the Incheon Technopark Bio Industry Center and the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority Bio Analysis Support Center to demonstrate their expertise.

A notable point in the policy report is the emphasis on Incheon's focus on the wellness industry and the need to shift the bio industry from a producer-centered to a consumer-centered model.

As society enters an aging phase, demand for health management is rapidly increasing, and the scope and range of the bio industry are inevitably expanding due to anticipated industrial demand related to the collection, processing, and utilization of various information necessary for disease prevention and health management.

Incheon boasts various cultural and tourism contents such as Incheon International Airport, Incheon Port, the free economic zones of Songdo, Cheongna, and Yeongjong International City, and Ganghwado, known as the "museum without a roof." It is also regarded as a city with abundant potential for the development of medical, beauty, and wellness tourism.

Rep. Heo emphasized, "As the government has announced plans to foster the 'Bio Health Industry Innovation Strategy' as a key industry and expand investment in new drug and medical device research and development, it is necessary to establish an Incheon-type Bio Health Valley business model focused on the Bio Front project in Songdo, Incheon, linked with local industrial complexes."

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