Hyundai Motor Company Establishes Research Center for Developing Countries with University College London

Hyundai Motor Group is establishing a developing countries research center with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London to study growth strategies for the African market.

On the 18th (local time), Hyundai Motor Group and SOAS held an opening ceremony for the "Development Leadership Dialogue Institute" at the Brunei Gallery Theatre of the University of London. SOAS is one of the 17 faculties of the University of London, specializing in research on developing regions, particularly Asia and Africa.

Attending the opening ceremony were Kim Gyeon, Head of Hyundai Motor Group Management Research Institute; Kim Heung-su, Head of GSO Headquarters; Ashley Andrew, Head of Hyundai Motor UK; and Paul Philpot, Head of Kia UK. From the University of London side, Adam Habib, President of SOAS; Laura Hammond, Vice President; Elisa van Wijnbergen, Dean of the School of Economics and Management; and Professor Jang Ha-joon were present.

The newly established institute will be jointly operated by three professors affiliated with the University of London: Professor Jang Ha-joon, Professor Christopher Cramer, and Professor Jonathan D. John.

(From left) Kim Heung-su, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company; Adam Habib, President of SOAS, University of London; Ashley Andrew, Head of Hyundai Motor UK; Paul Philpot, Head of Kia UK; Jang Ha-joon, Professor at SOAS, University of London; and Kim Gyeon, Vice President and Director of Hyundai Motor Group Management Research Institute, are taking a commemorative photo at the opening ceremony on the 18th (local time).
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Group]

Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group plans to establish the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation in February 2024 in collaboration with SOAS.

Based on collaboration with these two research institutes under SOAS, Hyundai Motor Group plans to deepen its fundamental understanding of the African market and conduct research on desirable future growth for Africa. The goal is to propose win-win strategies with African countries beyond merely expanding vehicle sales.

Leveraging Hyundai Motor Group’s technological capabilities, the group will explore industrial development plans for Africa and build cooperative relationships with various African countries through resource development and renewable energy development cooperation.

The Development Leadership Institute will serve as a platform where governments, companies, and private experts engage in interdisciplinary discussions, regular debates, workshops, and seminars to discuss industrialization plans and related policies for developing countries, including Africa. It will also operate leadership programs aimed at nurturing future leaders of developing countries, targeting government and corporate future leaders.

The Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation, scheduled to be established in February 2024, will focus on four research tasks: energy transition, mineral resources, reorganization of international supply chains, and construction of new infrastructure.

Based on this, it will propose socio-economic development plans for developing countries centered on Africa through sustainable structural transformation and present concrete research and visions regarding the roles of private companies, including Hyundai Motor Group, and developing country governments.

Adam Habib, President of SOAS, University of London, said, "SOAS needs a knowledge-sharing platform where stakeholders from various countries can interact and cooperate. The research center established with the support of Hyundai Motor Group will serve as a bridge connecting the global community and a place to contemplate the value of sustainability."

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