Changwon National University LINC+ Project Group Hosts International Forum

On the Role of Social Innovation and Social Ventures in Local Communities

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Woo-kwon] Changwon National University (President Lee Ho-young) LINC+ Project Group held an international forum on the 16th at Changwon Convention Center under the theme of 'The Role of Regional Social Innovation and Social Ventures.'

This forum was held as part of the '2020 Gyeongnam Social Innovation International Forum' event, hosted by Gyeongsangnam-do and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH), and co-hosted by Changwon National University, universities in Gyeongnam Province, LAB 2050, and the Gyeongnam Research Institute.

The '2020 Gyeongnam Social Innovation International Forum,' held under the theme 'We Take a Better Path - Sustainable Transition Strategies for Industrial Crisis Regions,' shared experiences of successful transitions through urban paradigm changes in cities such as Malm? in Sweden, Bilbao in Spain, and Portland in the United States, which faced crises in steel, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. It also became an event to collectively consider successful cases that utilized policy participation and cooperative structures among various stakeholders composing the city, including universities, related organizations, and citizens, as driving forces for transition.

In the social venture session hosted by Changwon National University LINC+ Project Group, presentations were made including 'Current Status and Prospects of Asia's Social Venture Ecosystem' by Professor Albert Teo of Hong Kong Tongwa University, 'Social Entrepreneurship and Changemakers' by Lee Hye-young, Korea Representative of the Ashoka Foundation, and 'SK E&S’s Social Innovator Development and Regional Regeneration Projects' by Manager Choi Eun-jung of SK E&S.

Additionally, a free discussion including designated discussions and audience Q&A was held, chaired by Park Kyung-hoon, head of Changwon National University LINC+ Project Group, with Kim Jong-hyun, director of Jeju The Big Tomorrow Center, and Kim Jung-heon, CEO of Underdogs.

Park Kyung-hoon, head of Changwon National University LINC+ Project Group, explained, "We expect this forum to serve as an opportunity for Changwon National University to actively participate as the center of youth innovation in Gyeongnam."

President Lee Ho-young also emphasized, "As a national university, Changwon National University will do its best to strengthen educational capabilities through expanding research personnel and restructuring academic systems, and to develop industrial technologies and nurture talents required by the local community."