Busan Boosts Local Education with Preliminary Selection of Universities for 'Glocal Universities 30' Initiative

BUSAN, April 16, 2024 — In a significant boost to local education and industry collaboration, the Ministry of Education has announced the preliminary selection of four universities in Busan as part of the 2024 'Glocal Universities 30' initiative. Dong-A University, Dongseo University, Dong-Eui University, and Silla University have been recognized for their innovative models of university-industry collaboration.

The collaborative efforts between these institutions aim to create a sustainable model of revenue generation and specialization in various fields. The Dong-A and Dongseo University alliance is pioneering a profit-generating model through its integrated industry-academic cooperation unit. This model will reinvest its profits back into the consortium, fostering developments in four specialized areas: energy technology, human care, arts & design, and heritage preservation.

On the other hand, Dong-Eui and Silla University are focusing on their comparative advantages in the mobility and well-life sectors. They plan to offer unused campus spaces to local governments at no cost to attract businesses and research facilities, which will aid in the formation of an integrated campus innovation town.

These preliminary selections are just the first step in a meticulous evaluation process that includes submission of detailed implementation plans by July. Following this, the 'Glocal University Committee' and the Ministry of Education will conduct final assessments, with results expected in August. Out of the 20 preliminary selections made nationwide, these four Busan universities represent a strategic move towards enhancing regional educational capabilities and industry integration.The selected universities now have approximately three months to collaborate with local governments and industries to establish and submit their detailed plans for the final designation.

The city of Busan has expressed strong support for the selected universities. The city plans to work closely with these institutions to ensure that their strategic plans are well-aligned with regional development goals. The mayor Park emphasized the commitment to providing tailored support through the Glocal University Support Team, which will assist in project planning and consultation services.

"By focusing our efforts from the planning stage, we aim to distinguish our strategies from other regions and provide unwavering support to ensure that these universities achieve final designation," stated Mayor Park.

This initiative is part of a broader five-year plan running until 2028, with an anticipated budget of 1 trillion won, targeting the development of universities outside the capital region. This long-term plan aims to reflect the demands of local industries and society, preparing students for future challenges while fostering regional growth.