"The Answer to the Survival of Regional Universities Lies in Local Industries"

Gwak Byeong-seon, President of the Regional-Centered National and Public University Council, Press Conference

Universities Facing Crisis with Reduced Admission Quotas
Research Alone Is Not Enough for Competitiveness
Must Cultivate Talent to Lead Regional Industries

Credit Exchange Centered on Key National Universities
Discussion on Forming an 'Integrated Network'
Regional-Centered National Universities Must Not Be Excluded

Gwak Byeong-seon, president of Gunsan National University and chairman of the Regional Centered National and Public University Council, is holding a press conference on the 2nd under the theme "The Role of National Universities for Future Education." (Provided by Gunsan National University)

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] "Moving beyond the concept of just conducting research, actively participating in the regional industrial structure can be the basis for the existence of regional national universities."

Kwack Byung-sun, president of Gunsan University and chairman of the Regional-Centered National and Public University Council, emphasized at a recent meeting with Ministry of Education reporters, "Regional-centered national and public universities must train personnel focused on regional industries."

President Kwack is also concerned that regional universities will face threats to their existence as university enrollment quotas decrease due to population decline. He said, "With the closure of the Gunsan city Korea GM plant, the population decreased by 10,000, and the regional economy has become quite difficult. Fortunately, the GM plant is transforming into an electric vehicle production base, so our university plans to educate personnel who will be deployed on-site accordingly."

Gunsan University is developing educational programs centered on majors such as mechanical, control, electrical, and chemical engineering to prepare for electric vehicle production. Additionally, in preparation for the used car export parts complex being established in Saemangeum, the university is focusing on training personnel mainly in the mechanical department. President Kwack stated, "The university is proactively proposing job models and collaborating with local governments on various initiatives. We will transform into a university that not only conducts research but also trains personnel and cooperates with local governments and businesses."

Meanwhile, President Kwack also expressed concerns about discussions on forming an 'integrated network' that exchanges credits and operates joint degree programs centered on flagship national universities. He said, "Regional-centered national universities should not be excluded from discussions on forming a national university network to reflect diverse local workforce demands." South Korea has a total of 41 national universities: 9 flagship national universities, 19 regional-centered universities, 11 education universities, and national university corporations including Seoul National University and Incheon National University. The integrated network is known to include the 9 flagship national universities plus Seoul National University, but if the government supports only these institutions from the perspective of national balanced development, it could increase feelings of deprivation among the other national universities.

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