On October 4, 2023, Minister of Science and ICT, Baek Kyun-hoon, delivered a compelling address at the ‘2025 Global Forum on Research and Development Special Zones’, held at the Lotte City Hotel in Daejeon. This year marks the 20th anniversary of both the implementation of the Research and Development Special Zones system and the establishment of the Research and Development Special Zone Promotion Foundation. Minister Baek emphasized the significant impact of these zones, noting that the corporate value generated by companies within them has reached an astounding 73 trillion won, showcasing their vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in South Korea.
The forum was graced by the presence of over 120 international representatives and experts from 30 countries, including the United States, France, and Singapore. The discussions aimed to explore the evolving role of research and development special zones in supporting balanced national growth, epitomized by the ‘Five Regions and Three Special Zones’ framework. The five regions include the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Central Region, Honam Region, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Region, and Southeast Region, while the three special zones refer to Jeonbuk, Gangwon, and Jeju.
During the event, a special session focused on the evolution and vision of global science and technology innovation (STI) policies. Experts engaged in vibrant discussions about policy shifts necessary for technology-driven growth and strategies for commercializing technology on a global scale. The session also featured a talk concert led by Minister Baek, which aimed at fostering a dialogue between the various stakeholders involved in the innovation ecosystem of research and development special zones.
One of the notable contributions came from Kim Hyo-yi, the CEO of Innercia, a female entrepreneur who started her company during her doctoral studies. She highlighted how the infrastructure and resources available in the Daedeok Special Zone, including experimental equipment and the expertise of senior entrepreneurs, significantly aided her startup journey. Kim advocated for the establishment of mentoring and exchange programs to attract and nurture technological talent, emphasizing the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in their formative stages.
The discussion on attracting both domestic and international talent included insights from Professor Tom Steinberger of KAIST, who underscored the well-established innovation network within the Daedeok Special Zone as a key attraction for collaborative research. He pointed out that by methodically expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary and multinational collaboration, the zone could evolve into a premier innovation cluster where global talent can thrive and grow sustainably.
Minister Baek concluded his remarks by reinforcing the integral role that research and development special zones have played over the past two decades. He asserted that these zones have served as catalysts for science and technology-based startups, corporate growth, and job creation, contributing significantly to regional balanced development. Looking ahead, the Minister expressed his commitment to ensuring that research and development special zones become pivotal hubs for business creation and talent attraction, ultimately solidifying their position as essential engines for the nation’s balanced growth strategy.
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