What is the secret behind Seongdong-gu Knowledge Industry Center's growth from 2,200 companies in 2014 to over 6,500 in 2022?

Seongdong-gu Knowledge Industry Center Network Meeting Held to Facilitate Communication and Efficient Information Sharing Among Knowledge Industry Centers & Policy Explanation and Opinion Listening to Create an Information Exchange Platform, Actively Promoting Networking Through 'KakaoTalk Channel' Launch

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) has taken the lead to strengthen communication among knowledge industry centers in the region.

On the 29th of last month, Seongdong-gu held a 'Knowledge Industry Center Network Meeting' at the Seongdong Chamber of Commerce, attended by Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, knowledge industry center management office heads, management group representatives, and the chairman of the knowledge industry center subcommittee of the Seongdong Chamber of Commerce. The meeting aimed to expand communication channels among knowledge industry centers and provide a platform for efficient information sharing.

Previously, Seongdong-gu recorded the highest regional gross domestic product (GRDP) growth rate among Seoul’s 25 districts in 2018. Along with efforts to attract knowledge industry centers centered around Seongsu-dong, the district has focused on creating a business-friendly environment through regulatory reforms.

As a result of policy support such as floor area ratio relaxation and reductions in acquisition and property taxes to attract and settle companies, the number of knowledge industry centers in Seongdong-gu increased from 36 centers housing about 2,200 companies in 2014 to 65 centers with approximately 6,500 companies as of 2022, establishing the district as a prominent economic hub in the northeastern region.

Going further, the district plans to focus on supporting the growth and development of companies by emphasizing the importance of sharing and disseminating related information for the successful implementation of numerous policies and support projects for businesses. Starting with this meeting, Seongdong-gu aims to strengthen ‘communication’ through horizontal ‘networking’ that forms a web-like relationship.

To this end, the meeting included sessions providing useful corporate information promoted by Seongdong-gu, such as small and medium enterprise support projects including overseas branch establishment and market development support, as well as public delivery apps and customized bidding information systems.

Additionally, direct guidance was provided on commercial lease consultation services, dispute mediation committees, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure construction, along with a Q&A session on tax reductions and traffic inducement charges.

There was also an opportunity to share solutions to parking congestion issues at knowledge industry centers, presented by Kim In-kwon, Head of the Business Support Center at Hyundai Terra Tower. This session allowed sharing of research outcomes from knowledge industry centers and facilitated direct policy explanations and feedback between public institutions and companies, fostering empathy and communication.

Moving forward, Seongdong-gu plans to place greater emphasis on close communication and information exchange with relevant parties, as the ‘management offices’ of knowledge industry centers play a crucial role in receiving guidance and cooperation letters regarding various policies and support projects promoted by the district.

To this end, the district will open a ‘KakaoTalk channel’ within this month to strengthen communication with companies and small business owners, providing focused guidance on various support projects and accelerating networking with knowledge industry centers.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “As Seongdong-gu has recently specialized in the fashion and entertainment sectors and established itself as an excellent workplace, we will continue to provide diverse support for business stability to firmly establish the image of a business-friendly city and help it leap forward as a competitive industrial city.”

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