GIST, Chonnam National University, and KENTECH Launch Initiative to Establish 'Korean-style Research Triangle'

Symposium Highlights Latest Research Trends and Collaboration Strategies
Building a Core Strategic Platform Through Inter-University Cooperation and Attracting Anchor Companies

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced on April 21 that, together with Chonnam National University and Korea Institute of Energy Technology (KENTECH), it held the 'Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Era, Research Triangle Symposium.' The event marked the start of efforts to strengthen research collaboration among the three universities and officially launched the initiative to establish a 'Korean-style Research Triangle.'

On the 20th, attendees at the "Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Era, Research Triangle Symposium" held at the GIST Oryong Hall are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by GIST

The concept of the 'Research Triangle' draws inspiration from the Research Triangle Park (RTP) model in North Carolina, USA, where the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill form a triangular research and industry-academic cooperation ecosystem. In this region, a world-class innovation cluster has been created through close connections among three research-oriented universities—Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University—as well as research institutes and companies.

The 'Korean-style Research Triangle' proposed at the symposium held at GIST Oryong Hall on April 20 is based on the vision of Chonnam National University President Lee Geunbae. It is a collaborative model in which GIST, Chonnam National University, and KENTECH pool their specialized research capabilities to foster the Honam region as a future hub for science and technology innovation. In particular, the platform aims to establish a region-led innovation platform that organically links joint research, talent development, and technology commercialization, focusing on the region's key strategic industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy.

The symposium was attended by GIST President Lim Gicheol, Research Director Park Chanho, Chonnam National University President Lee Geunbae, Vice President of Industry-Academia Cooperation Lee Bonggi, Acting President of KENTECH Park Jinho, Research Institute Director Moon Seungil, and Research Director Kim Changhee. Also present were Kang Wieon, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Jeollanam-do; Kim Kihong, Director of Strategic Industries; Kim Kisook, Director of Education and Youth Policy of Gwangju City; Oh Ikhyeon, President of Jeonnam Technopark; Lee Cheolseung, Acting President of Gwangju Technopark; and Oh Sangjin, Head of the Artificial Intelligence Industry Convergence Project Group (AICA), among other key officials.

The three university presidents agreed that, for the 'Research Triangle' model to succeed, attracting anchor companies is just as critical as inter-university cooperation. They explained that in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, IBM, a global information technology and consulting company, serves as the anchor company.

During the presentation sessions, researchers in semiconductors, AI, and energy from GIST, Chonnam National University, and KENTECH shared the latest research trends and collaboration strategies. The presenters also outlined concrete visions for securing future growth engines based on the industrial and research infrastructure of Jeonnam and Gwangju.

Chonnam National University President Lee Geunbae stated, "Gwangju and Jeonnam are advancing as a single intelligent economic zone based on strategic industries," adding, "The 'Research Triangle' among the three universities will lead this transformation and drive the nation's future competitiveness."

Park Jinho, Acting President of KENTECH, said, "I hope the three universities will create a new axis of growth that spans research, technology commercialization, and startups," and emphasized, "By building a K-Grid talent and startup valley, let's realize a 'Korean-style Research Triangle' that jointly addresses national energy policy."

GIST President Lim Gicheol commented, "This symposium marks a meaningful starting point for regional universities to consolidate their research capabilities and establish a win-win cooperation model," adding, "I hope the three universities will create a shared foundation for growth and continue practical research collaboration to contribute to the advancement of science and technology in Korea."

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