Pusan National University and LG Electronics Sign New Industry-Academia Alliance Enhancement Agreement... 'Joint Innovation Accelerated'

Pusan National University and LG Electronics Sign Strategic Agreement
to Collaborate on HVAC Innovation and Talent Development

The Pusan National University Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation (headed by Kang Jeongeun) and LG Electronics (CEO Cho Joo Wan) signed a "New Industry-Academia Alliance Enhancement Agreement" on May 12 at the Pusan National University Mechanical Engineering Building, aiming to nurture future talent and drive innovation in the regional industry.

This agreement marks a significant step forward in the more than 30-year relationship between the two institutions, focusing on joint research and development (R&D) for digital transformation and the establishment of a sustainable industrial ecosystem, as well as building a talent cultivation system.

The agreement is particularly meaningful as it is the first collaboration between Pusan National University and LG Electronics since LG Electronics divided its H&A Business Division into HS (Home Appliance Solution) and ES (Eco Solution) earlier this year. The agreement is regarded as a strategic partnership for building a future innovation ecosystem rooted in the local community, going beyond simple technology exchange.

Pusan National University plans to leverage its strong research capabilities and educational infrastructure, while LG Electronics will contribute its world-leading industrial technology. Together, they will strengthen efforts to secure core technologies in the mid- to long-term, foster creative and innovative talent, and operate recruitment-linked educational programs.

Kang Jeongeun, head of the Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation, stated, "This new industry-academia alliance with LG Electronics is an evolved model that goes beyond traditional collaboration. We aim to create a virtuous cycle in which universities, industry, and local governments work organically together to achieve sustainable regional development and encourage local talent to remain in the area."

LG Electronics also emphasized the significance of this agreement.

Lee Hyunwook, Head of the HS Research Center (Vice President) at LG Electronics, commented, "This agreement is a strategic choice to secure both future technology and talent. It will serve as a turning point for strengthening LG Electronics' unrivaled technological competitiveness."

Oh Segi, Head of the ES Research Institute (Vice President) at LG Electronics, stated, "It is a critical time to enhance technology and secure global competitiveness in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector. Through close collaboration with Pusan National University, we will establish a mutually beneficial partnership."

Jung Cheolwoong, Director of the Pusan National University LG Electronics Advanced Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Energy Center (LG CARE) and Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who is in charge of practical industry-academia cooperation, said, "This agreement is a core platform for strengthening recruitment-linked talent development and joint research. It will lay the foundation for leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution in manufacturing."

Through this agreement, the two institutions aim not only to secure global technological leadership in the future but also to contribute to nurturing outstanding local talent and advancing regional industries.

Busan National University and LG Electronics are signing a new industry-academia alliance agreement. Photo by Busan National University

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