Completion of Campus and Corporate Research Building for Aviation Industry-Academic Convergence Zone in Songdo, Incheon

Inha University Moves 3 Departments and Graduate School of Manufacturing Innovation
Attracts Aviation Industry Companies and Research Institutes, Collaborates on Joint Research

Inha University Aerospace Convergence Campus in Songdo International City
[Photo by Inha University]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] The Aviation Industry Industry-Academia Convergence District, which will serve as a platform for fostering the aviation convergence industry and training aviation professionals in the Incheon area, has been established in Songdo International City within the Incheon Free Economic Zone.

Incheon City and the Incheon Industry-Academia Convergence Institute held a completion ceremony for the Incheon Aviation Industry Industry-Academia Convergence District campus and corporate research center on the 29th.

Managed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Industry-Academia Convergence District was constructed in the Knowledge Information Industry Complex of Songdo International City, with one basement floor and five above-ground floors, covering a total floor area of 19,908 m² (Aerospace Convergence Campus 10,357 m², Corporate Research Center 9,551 m²). This facility is equipped with educational and research facilities, corporate research labs, and classrooms for working professionals, enabling an organic connection between education and industrial sites.

The Aerospace Convergence Campus houses three departments from Inha University (Department of Aerospace Engineering, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering) and one specialized graduate school (Graduate School of Manufacturing Innovation), which relocated from the existing Yonghyeon Campus. Approximately 530 students participate in field-customized education and industry-academia convergence R&D programs.

The Corporate Research Center, equipped with a training center for working professionals, an aviation industry equipment center, and a GE additive manufacturing center, has attracted 60 companies and research institutes in industries such as drones, urban air mobility (UAM), aviation parts, big data, and metal additive manufacturing. This aims to activate industry-academia cooperation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution sectors. Currently, over 20 companies have moved in and are conducting joint research with the university.

The Incheon Industry-Academia Convergence Institute is conducting projects for training aerospace professionals and smart promotion personnel for materials, parts, and equipment. Through these two national projects, they operate two educational programs: a 'Metal 3D Printing' course based on the curriculum and equipment of GE (General Electric), the first in Korea, and an 'Aftermarket (MRO)' program consisting of Airbus aircraft type-specific training (A320) and practical aviation maintenance training.

Through these efforts, they plan to train approximately 350 specialized personnel in parts and materials development for new aviation convergence industries and aircraft parts maintenance by 2024.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Incheon City, the Ministry of Industry, Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, Incheon Industry-Academia Convergence Institute, and Inha University signed a 'Joint Cooperation Agreement for the Realization of the Namdong National Industrial Complex Smart Green Industrial Complex,' pledging to work together to foster new aviation convergence industries in the Namdong Industrial Complex.

There are 12 Industry-Academia Convergence Districts nationwide, with five currently under development. Most of the completed districts are facing difficulties in becoming self-sustaining, and the Ministry of Industry is reportedly encouraging active support from the respective local governments.

An official from Incheon City stated, "The Incheon Industry-Academia Convergence District is growing as a model case, having been selected as the best Industry-Academia Convergence District nationwide for two consecutive years by securing 42.5 billion KRW from eight national projects, thanks to Incheon City's active administrative and financial support, voluntary cooperation from over 140 local companies, and support from Incheon International Airport Corporation."