‘Dosimirai Forum’ … Pohang Initiates Innovation Growth and Future Strategy Development

Mayor Lee Gang-deok: "Everyone is a Subject of Urban Development, Executing Future Strategies"

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] On the 26th, Pohang City held the ‘Urban Future Forum’ at the POSCO International Hall to establish future strategies for the city’s innovative growth and explore implementation plans.

On the 26th, attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the Posco International Hall during the 'Urban Future Forum,' which aims to establish future strategies and explore implementation plans for innovative urban growth.

Hosted by the office of National Assembly member Kim Byung-wook, the ‘Urban Future Forum’ was held with about 200 attendees including Mayor Lee Kang-deok, National Assembly member Kim Byung-wook, Chairman of the City Council Baek In-gyu, and POSTECH President Kim Moo-hwan.

First, under the theme “The Future of Cities: Considering Space and Industry, Establishing and Implementing Future Strategies,” Honorary Professor Hwang Hee-yeon of the Department of Urban Engineering at Chungbuk National University and Professor Yoon Ji-woong of the Department of Public Administration at Kyung Hee University delivered presentations. Experts including Park Gun-hyung, editorial writer of Chosun Ilbo, Professor Bae Young of POSTECH’s Humanities and Social Sciences Department, Professor Lee Jae-young, POSCO Chair Professor at Handong University, and Professor Kim Cheol-hong, the Mu-eunjae Chair Professor at POSTECH, were invited to conduct a panel discussion on urban innovation and future strategy establishment.

Honorary Professor Hwang Hee-yeon of Chungbuk National University’s Department of Urban Engineering, who presented on the day, spoke on the theme “Pohang’s Past and Future: Overcoming POSCO Together with POSCO,” analyzing the crisis response strategies of POSCO and Pohang City. He emphasized, “Pohang’s future preparedness must start from POSCO and POSTECH,” and added, “We must establish a clear future vision unique to Pohang by adopting successful models such as Pittsburgh and Bilbao.”

Following this, Professor Yoon Ji-woong of Kyung Hee University’s Department of Public Administration spoke on the theme “Scientific and Technological Innovation for the Future of Cities,” stating, “A city that attracts startups, research institutions, investors, and various industries and companies creates opportunities as a platform for innovation.” He emphasized, “I hope Pohang City will take the lead in scientific and technological innovation and the recruitment of talent commensurate with it, based on its competitiveness and potential.”

Mayor Lee Gang-deok, City Council Chairman Baek In-gyu, National Assemblyman Kim Byung-wook, POSTECH President Kim Moo-hwan, and other attendees are listening to the lecture.

In the subsequent discussion, Park Gun-hyung, editorial writer of Chosun Ilbo, served as the moderator, with Professor Bae Young of POSTECH’s Humanities and Social Sciences Department, Professor Lee Jae-young, POSCO Chair Professor at Handong University, and Professor Kim Cheol-hong, Mu-eunjae Chair Professor at POSTECH, participating as panelists. Various discussions took place regarding issues and solutions for regional cities, Pohang’s industry and future, local talent development plans, fostering the bio-health industry through the establishment of a research-oriented medical school at POSTECH, and solutions to the crisis of regional extinction, focusing on urban innovation and the future.

Assembly member Kim Byung-wook said, “To achieve balanced national development and prevent regional extinction, a long-term regional development vision must be established,” adding, “I hope a ‘think tank’ will be created to establish future strategies for Pohang, which is geographically and locationally the optimal site for East Coast development, so that the dreams left unfulfilled by Chairman Park Tae-joon can continue to be realized.”

Mayor Lee Kang-deok stated, “It is time for all members of industry, academia, research, and government to take the lead as agents of urban development and proactively establish and implement development strategies for future innovative growth.” He emphasized, “Since Pohang City has sufficient competitiveness and capabilities to leap onto the global stage, we will focus administrative efforts on exploring strategic implementation plans to utilize and realize these.”