Discussion and Policy Proposals on the Importance of Open Innovation After COVID-19
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on the 15th that it held the "2nd i-CON Conference" under the theme of "Open Innovation in the Non-face-to-face Era" at the Meritz Tower Gangnam Amoris Hall in Seoul.
i-CON is an open innovation network launched in May last year, serving as a hub for innovation activities where a total of 762 members from large corporations, SMEs, startups, universities, and investors in four fields?system semiconductors, bio, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing?freely communicate.
This conference proceeded in the order of a keynote speech, presentations on i-CON network operation experiences and best practices, and a talk concert.
Professor Yoo Byungjun of Seoul National University Business School, who delivered the keynote speech on the theme "Open Innovation and Performance Creation in the Non-face-to-face Era," stated, "It is necessary for the government to actively support improving inefficient government support systems and achieving private-sector-led open innovation. Also, to solve the problem of large corporations' concentration in new industry technologies, cooperation among industry, academia, and research, as well as an independent group of technology experts, is required."
Following this, four organizations?Korea Startup Forum, Korea Nano Technology Institute, Cystem, and Wizcore?took the stage to share their network operation experiences and best practices by field.
After the best practice presentations, a talk concert was held with participants including Cha Jeonghun, Director of the Startup Venture Innovation Office at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups; Professor Bae Yooseok (Korea Polytechnic University); Professor Seon Jiwon (Kwangwoon University); Professor Jeong Heeun (Hoseo University); and Director Shin Kwangmin (Korea Bio Association).
During the concert, passionate discussions continued on the voices of the industry related to the open innovation network and the direction i-CON should take next year to revitalize open innovation. In particular, Cha Jeonghun, Director of the Startup Venture Innovation Office at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, who participated as a panelist, listened carefully to the opinions discussed, shared concerns, and promised to regularly meet and communicate with experts thereafter.
Additionally, the Minister of SMEs and Startups' Commendation was awarded to four representatives from each field who worked to promote open innovation and collaboration among SMEs and startups throughout the year.
Jang Jangrae, Executive Director of Microsoft Korea, who received the ministerial award, said, "In the domestic situation where the culture of open innovation is still at a beginner level, i-CON, a private-sector-led network supported by the government, holds great significance. i-CON is making a significant contribution to encouraging creative and challenging innovation activities and representing the voices of the industry."
Cha Jeonghun, Director of the Startup Venture Innovation Office at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, said, "The Ministry of SMEs and Startups always listens to the industry's opinions, especially the voices of i-CON, where industry, academia, and research experts gather. We will strive to establish policies that can be well received in the field based on the issues discussed."
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