Government Launches Application Process for Third Phase of MPE Specialized Complexes

Business Plans Refined Through Preliminary Review
Expansion of Private Investment and Key Technology Achievements Expected

The government is beginning the process of designating the third phase of specialized complexes for the materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) industry to strengthen its competitiveness. Building on the investment achievements of the first and second phases of these complexes, the plan is to accelerate the spread of regionally centered industrial ecosystems.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on March 22 that it will launch a public notice for the designation of new MPE specialized complexes on March 23.

Previously, the first phase designated complexes for semiconductors (Yongin), secondary batteries (Cheongju), displays (Cheonan), precision machinery (Changwon), and carbon materials (Jeonju). The second phase included semiconductor equipment (Anseong), power semiconductors (Busan), bio-MPE (Osong), mobility motors (Daegu), and autonomous driving (Gwangju).

The MPE specialized complex system clusters demand companies, suppliers, research institutes, and related organizations in a single region to create an industrial collaboration ecosystem. Its core is to build a stable supply chain and simultaneously pursue technology development and commercialization through inter-company linkages within the complex.

According to the ministry, since the designation of the first and second phases of specialized complexes, about 11.5 trillion won in private investment has been attracted, and research and development (R&D) and commercialization are underway, focusing on 15 key technologies.

In preparation for this application process, the ministry operated a "preliminary review system" to improve the completeness of local governments’ business plans. From January 13 to March 11, over approximately two months, a total of six preliminary review committee meetings were held, providing advance consulting for 21 plans from 12 cities and provinces.

In particular, the ministry focused on enhancing the competitiveness of the projects by providing recommendations on major evaluation factors such as defining anchor companies’ roles, selecting target items, and specifying investment plans. Through a business briefing session scheduled for next week, the ministry plans to share key consulting outcomes from the preliminary review process with local governments.

Song Hyeonju, Director General for Industrial Supply Chain Policy at the ministry, said, "Through the preliminary review, we confirmed the strong interest and level of preparation of local governments for regional industrial development. The government will provide proactive support to ensure that regions can become core hubs for the MPE industry, and we look forward to active participation from local governments."

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