[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daeseop] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 21st that it will invest 49.3 billion KRW this year to support small-scale manufacturing companies engaged in clothing sewing, metal processing, and other industries in cooperation with the Small Enterprise and Market Service.
This project aims to strengthen the competitiveness of small manufacturers, who are the capillaries of the manufacturing industry but face difficulties due to small scale, aging, and outdated equipment, and to revitalize industrial clusters. Small manufacturers refer to small-scale manufacturing businesses with fewer than 10 regular employees, characterized by labor-intensive work and skilled technology, and concentrated in specific areas.
Looking at the specialized support plan for small manufacturers, smart equipment will first be installed in small manufacturer clusters. Three complex support centers capable of providing integrated support from product and design development to exhibition, sales, and online marketing will be selected to establish innovation growth hubs.
Customized support responding to diverse demands in each cluster will also be provided. Eight new shared infrastructure facilities such as shared equipment, joint warehouses, and workshops will be selected. The plan is to create a development foundation for small manufacturers by strengthening networks within the clusters.
Additionally, small manufacturers with growth potential will be supported in expanding their sales channels through market development and online exports by cooperating with various distribution platforms. Sales expansion will be pursued through customized sales support in the form of vouchers for entering online and offline malls, participating in exhibitions, and producing broadcast advertisements.
Small manufacturers wishing to improve outdated workplaces, such as manual process improvements and inventory management, will be identified. Support will be provided for building smart systems that incorporate digital technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors into manufacturing processes.
To promote organization and collaboration among small manufacturers, 34 specialized support centers nationwide will be operated. Customized projects tailored to regional and industry characteristics, including technical and management education, consulting, and autonomous projects, will be supported.
Noh Gisu, head of the Small Business Innovation Division, said, "We will enhance the capabilities of small manufacturers, the roots of manufacturing, so that they can grow, and strengthen demand-oriented support to help them secure self-sustainability and competitiveness."
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