University of Science and Technology partners with Daejeon Chamber of Commerce to connect national research institute personnel, findings and infrastructure with regional businesses

UST President Kang Dae-im (left) and Daejeon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jeong Tae-hee sign an MOU. [UST]
UST President Kang Dae-im (left) and Daejeon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jeong Tae-hee sign an MOU. [UST]

Talented scientists and advanced research outcomes from national research institutes are set to be channeled into boosting the technological innovation and R&D competitiveness of companies in the Daejeon region. The initiative also aims to build a self-reinforcing ecosystem in which researchers trained at national institutes find employment and settle at local firms.

The University of Science and Technology (UST) signed an MOU Wednesday with the Daejeon Chamber of Commerce at its main campus in Daejeon, pledging to foster a settlement ecosystem for locally tailored talent and strengthen the technological competitiveness of regional businesses.

At the heart of the agreement is a direct link between the talent, research outcomes and advanced infrastructure of the 30 national research institute schools that make up UST, and the on-the-ground needs of companies in the Daejeon area.

The two institutions will identify industry-academia-research cooperation projects aimed at corporate technological innovation and R&D competitiveness, and will connect advanced-technology training and professional education programs for working professionals. They will also run internship, employment and recruitment programs to bridge science and technology talent with businesses.

In particular, the two sides plan to match the research personnel, outcomes and infrastructure of national research institutes with the technology needs of Daejeon Chamber of Commerce member companies, helping firms resolve technical challenges they face on the ground.

UST envisions building a virtuous cycle in which R&D-ready talent trained at national research institutes find jobs and grow at local companies. The university also plans to offer professional education programs for employees already in industry, aiming to raise the technological innovation capacity of the regional business community.

UST is also expanding its national-institute-based regional cooperation model to other parts of the country. It has established a new flagship major in "AI Mobility" tailored to the industries of South Jeolla Province and Gwangju, and is currently recruiting first-year students for the first semester of the 2027 academic year. The goal is to build an integrated local-industry-academia-research ecosystem that reduces the outflow of regional talent and attracts outstanding domestic and international researchers to settle in the region.

"When the outstanding research capabilities and talent of national research institutes translate into the growth of local companies, science and technology creates a virtuous cycle that revitalizes the regional economy," UST President Kang Dae-im said. "We will invigorate the industry-academia cooperation ecosystem so that advanced technology and science talent can drive R&D competitiveness and technological innovation for Daejeon businesses."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com