The Gwangju-Jeonnam regional innovation Platform Based project announced the full-fledged operation of the K-New Deal project.
The Gwangju Chonnam Regional University Presidents' Council (Chairperson: Kim Hyuk-jong) held its 3rd community forum with an introduction and inauguration ceremony for a project titled “K-New Deal Beginning, Gwangju Jeonnam Regional Innovation Platform” at the CNU Convention Hall on August 28th.
The forum was attended by presidents of 15 universities in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, including CNU President Jeong Byeong-seok, heads of local governments including Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop, Vice-governor of South Jeolla Province Song Sang-rak, and representatives of innovative institutions such as the Gwangju Techno Park (President Kim Sun-min) and officials from the Ministry of Education. In addition, the forum was broadcasted live through YouTube.
Professor Na Ju-mong (Standing Member of the CNU Future Committee), who gave the presentation, said, “Amidst the population imbalance of the metropolitan area and non-capital regions, the change in the regional economic environment due to COVID-19, and the decrease in local jobs causing the outflow of young talent, local governments desperately need a future strategic industry. It is necessary to utilize capabilities of 40 regional universities for efficient utilization of resources. However, cooperation between local governments and universities has been insufficient, and strategic use of the capabilities of local universities has also been inefficient while individual university policies have suffered from a lack of division of responsibilities.”
Professor Na also said, “With the start of the 'Korean New Deal Policy' that promotes the advancement of the economic infrastructure, the creation of sustainable jobs, and the overcoming of economic crisis, in addition to facilitating changes in the economic and social realms, it should be used as an opportunity for regional innovation. As the main body of the innovative growth ecosystem, local governments should reduce the outflow of the population and secure the momentum of growth. Meanwhile, innovative institutions such as the Gwangju Techno Park should utilize their capacities for cooperation, and local companies should pursue a structure that supports young talent and strengthens corporate competitiveness.”
He added, “For a successful project, we need to organize the platform promotion headquarters, the university education innovation headquarters, the new energy industry promotion project group, and the future transportation equipment development project group, in addition to promoting strategic tasks quickly, centered on the regional cooperation committee.”
Professor Cho Sung-yong gave a presentation on the suitability of Gwangju-Jeonnam industry connection in the new energy industry and the connection between local government, universities, and industry. The presentation focused on three major goals and 13 specific projects: the improvement of future energy efficiency cultivation and convergent talent and technology development; talent cultivation and technology development for new and renewable energy to respond to climate change; and fostering three major tasks and 13 subtasks, such as fostering human resources for start-ups in the new energy industry.
Professor Cho Doo-Yeon (Mokpo National University) presented three major projects including the eco-friendly smart ship, advanced parts and materials, future mobility, along with 14 subtasks and analysis of the current status of shipbuilding, automobiles, e-mobility, drones, and parts and materials industries germane to future transportation equipment.
The tasks presented will be promoted through a detailed coordination process between the university-centered host institution, participating universities, and cooperative companies.
