6th Committee for Strengthening Competitiveness of Materials, Parts, and Equipment
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] A total of five complexes in Gyeonggi (semiconductors), Gyeongnam (precision machinery), Jeonbuk (carbon materials), Chungnam (displays), and Chungbuk (secondary batteries) have been designated as specialized complexes for materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang). These specialized complexes will receive support such as joint research and development (R&D), expansion of infrastructure including water and electricity, and rent reductions.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 26th that it held the '6th Materials, Parts, and Equipment Competitiveness Enhancement Committee' at the Korea Federation of SMEs and deliberated and approved this agenda.
The SoBuJang specialized complexes are based on the 'Special Measures Act for Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Materials, Parts, and Equipment Industry,' which was completely revised in April last year, and the 'SoBuJang 2.0 Strategy' announced in July of the same year.
The government received applications from 12 complexes through a public contest in June last year, and selected five complexes after conducting two rounds of expert evaluation committees and joint public-private strategic consulting involving over 70 participants targeting these complexes.
The specialized complexes deliberated and approved at this Competitiveness Committee will be designated by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy according to the 'SoBuJang Special Act.' The government plans to form consultative councils for each complex in the future to establish customized support strategies tailored to regional characteristics and foster them into global-level SoBuJang clusters through cross-ministerial support.
On this day, the Competitiveness Committee also deliberated and approved the '2021 Materials, Parts, and Equipment Competitiveness Enhancement Implementation Plan,' which includes the progress of SoBuJang policy implementation so far and the cross-ministerial 2021 SoBuJang policy direction. First, the strengthening of supply stability for core materials, parts, and equipment items will be pursued without wavering. A concentrated investment of 2.2 trillion KRW will be made in next-generation technology development R&D, and intellectual property (IP) R&D will be mandated to strengthen responses to patent disputes and the like. Additionally, digital technologies will be actively utilized in technology development and supply chain stabilization, such as data-based new material development platforms and digital logistics networks.
Four additional cooperation projects (models) between demand and supply companies were also approved. To facilitate smooth progress of these cooperation models, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to provide approximately 60 billion KRW in R&D support and 8 billion KRW in policy financing for facility investment over four years after appropriate amount adjustments. Customized package support desired by companies, such as manpower, infrastructure, and regulatory exemptions, will also be provided.
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