- Special zone foundation builds tech cooperation network with Central European innovation bodies

- Five firms in defense, aerospace and AI to pursue joint R&D and local commercialization

Officials pose for a group photo at the Korea–Central Europe Innovative Technology Partnership Meetup. [Korea Research and Development Special Zone Foundation]
Officials pose for a group photo at the Korea–Central Europe Innovative Technology Partnership Meetup. [Korea Research and Development Special Zone Foundation]

South Korean advanced-technology companies are stepping up their push into Europe, using Poland and Lithuania — two of the hottest markets for Korean defense exports — as entry points. Firms based in domestic research and development special zones, spanning defense, aerospace, robotics, AI and semiconductors, are exploring joint R&D and technology commercialization opportunities with local innovation bodies.

The Korea Research and Development Special Zone Foundation said Tuesday it hosted the Korea–Central Europe Innovative Technology Partnership Meetup at its Daejeon headquarters, bringing together Polish and Lithuanian innovation institutions.

The event was organized to share information on innovation support policies and industrial demand in Poland and Lithuania, and to identify opportunities for technology cooperation and European market entry between special zone companies and local organizations.

Participants included Poland's National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), and Lithuania's Innovation Agency — all key R&D and business support bodies in their respective countries.

Poland's NCBR is a national R&D funding body that supports roughly 1 billion euros ($1.14 billion) worth of research projects annually. It runs international joint R&D and business development programs with South Korea, the United States, Germany and Israel, among others. PAIH focuses on connecting companies with local partners and investment opportunities, while Lithuania's Innovation Agency supports R&D, technology transfer and startup development.

Five companies from special zones — active in defense, aerospace, energy, semiconductors, and robotics and AI — showcased their technologies at the event. Their representatives discussed with local officials the potential for applying their technologies in European markets and the scope for joint R&D.

Airvility presented its anti-drone solution based on electric vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles. The company participated in Poland's International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2026 and is accelerating its push into the European defense market ahead of planned participation in a NATO innovation training site in Latvia in December.

Lee Sang-bong, a director at Airvility, said the company wanted to "confirm the applicability of our technology with local institutions and companies, and find cooperation opportunities that can lead to joint R&D and market entry."

The foundation said it plans to expand technology matching between special zone companies and local firms and research institutions following the event. It will also seek follow-up cooperation models leading to joint technology development, investment and commercialization.

Jeong Hui-gwon, chairman of the foundation, said that for technology companies to grow in overseas markets, "it is important to have not only technological competitiveness but also a foundation for cooperation with local R&D and industrial ecosystems." He added that the foundation would expand global cooperation "so that outstanding technologies and companies from special zones can work with overseas innovation players and advance into new markets."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com