It Becomes Possible to Train Semiconductor and Advanced Field Talents Even in General Departments

Related Agenda Passed at the State Council Meeting... 20% Increase in Enrollment Quotas for General Departments

Starting next year, universities will be able to cultivate talent in advanced fields such as semiconductors by utilizing 'contract quotas' within general academic departments.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Education announced that the amendment to the "Act on the Promotion of Industrial Education and Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation," which includes this provision, was passed at the Cabinet meeting.

Contract departments are academic departments established and operated through contracts between industries and universities, playing a role in fostering industry-tailored human resources and supporting stable employment for young people.

As the need to nurture talent in advanced fields has recently increased, the Ministry of Education has allowed universities to cultivate talent by setting 'contract quotas' within existing general academic departments without having to establish separate contract departments.

The contract quota system is a temporary measure that allows an increase of up to 20% of the existing general department quota when an industry requests customized education on the condition of hiring.

With this amendment to the enforcement decree, the scope of profit dividends usage by 'technology holding companies' that commercialize university research outcomes will be expanded, and the range of companies that technology holding companies can incorporate as subsidiaries will also be broadened.

Additionally, at the same Cabinet meeting, the amendment to the "School Library Promotion Act Enforcement Decree," which removed the provision requiring school libraries to be located near the school's main entrance or similar locations, was also passed.

Accordingly, from now on, each school will be able to determine the location of its library by considering conditions and facility structures, such as places frequently visited by students or locations close to classrooms.