Daejeon City "Bitter Defeat in Designation as National Advanced Strategic Industry Specialized Complex... Fostering Semiconductor Industry Independently"

Daejeon City is consolidating the capabilities of local industry, academia, research, and government to foster the semiconductor industry. The promotion of the semiconductor industry is a self-help measure pursued because it was not included in the government's designation of the semiconductor national advanced strategic industry specialized complex.

On the 20th, Daejeon City announced that it will create a semiconductor innovation ecosystem in the region by linking local research capabilities such as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), and the Korea Nano Technology Institute.

Aerial view of Daejeon Nano and Semiconductor National Industrial Complex. Provided by Daejeon City

The Daejeon semiconductor innovation ecosystem will be established on a 12.26 million-pyeong site connecting Daedeok Research and Development Special Zone Districts 1 to 3 and the Nano-Semiconductor National Industrial Complex in Gyochon-dong, Yuseong-gu, selected last March.

First, Daejeon City plans to develop the Nano-Semiconductor National Industrial Complex into an R&D innovative industrial complex by establishing research and education campuses, design campuses, and manufacturing campuses that can cooperate with semiconductor production bases in the metropolitan area.

Currently, 266 companies from inside and outside the region have expressed their intention to invest here.

Daejeon City plans to complete the national industrial complex by 2029 and is currently negotiating with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding the designation of the project operator.

Daedeok Special Zone Districts 1 to 3 are planned to serve as a hinterland for research and development and human resource training, playing a key role in the semiconductor innovation ecosystem together with the Nano-Semiconductor National Industrial Complex.

Daejeon City also proposed attracting the Advanced Semiconductor Technology Center (ASTC) to establish Daejeon as a hub for semiconductor research, education, and demonstration.

Additionally, it will strengthen corporate demonstration support by establishing a materials, parts, and equipment demonstration evaluation institute and promote the development of eco-friendly advanced process technologies.

On the 20th, Daejeon City announced the plan for 'Creating an Innovative Ecosystem for Semiconductor Industry Research and Development (R&D).' Provided by Daejeon City

Previously, Daejeon achieved the result of KAIST being selected for six talent development projects, including the Graduate School of Semiconductor Engineering, Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor, and Graduate School of Quantum, while Chungnam National University was selected for the Semiconductor Joint Research Institute and Semiconductor Specialized University, and Hanbat National University for the early employment-type contract department in semiconductors, receiving 148.4 billion won in support over five years.

Daejeon City explained that this will serve as a basis for solving the future shortage of semiconductor personnel and timely supplying talent to companies.

Daejeon City plans to consolidate and strengthen the functions of innovation entities in industry, academia, research, and government by 2025 to establish a complete semiconductor ecosystem in the region by 2031.

Lee Jang-woo, Mayor of Daejeon, said, “The region’s future strategy must be consistently and firmly led by local governments,” adding, “Regardless of the failure to designate the national advanced strategic industry specialized complex, Daejeon City will do its best to grow Daejeon as a core axis for strengthening the nation’s semiconductor competitiveness.”