Corporate Issues, Approachable Like Cats...Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Establishes 'Gyoyangyi Research Institute'

Available on communication platform 'Sopul'
"Corporate knowledge and economic knowledge vividly"
Recruiting writers... Manuscript fees and incentives provided

The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) recently announced on the 25th that it has launched a knowledge community on economics and business called 'Gyoyang-i Research Institute' on its communication platform 'Sople.' The name Gyoyang-i Research Institute is a friendly metaphor likening the aim of enhancing general knowledge about economics and business to a friendly cat.

Focusing on everyday life rather than complex indicators or terminology, this knowledge guide corner delivers interesting issues from various fields in an easy and broad manner by experts. It operates in a research institute format where anyone can read articles, share opinions, and develop knowledge, and it is currently recruiting contributors (researchers).

Sople is an economic communication platform initiated with the inauguration of KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won. Currently, about 100,000 members are active. This platform serves as a space where businesspeople and the general public raise various issues about economics and business and share opinions. So far, over 383,000 opinions have been posted, and these opinions are organized and delivered to the government and the National Assembly in the form of proposals or recommendations.

Experts from various fields such as professors, journalists, marketing and finance specialists, CEOs from Silicon Valley, and startup education institutions participate as contributors to Gyoyang-i Research Institute. They explain economic theories hidden in the entertainment industry, explore success formulas for startups and small business owners, anticipate the future brought by artificial intelligence, and provide practical finance tips. Interesting content such as economic stories explored through movies and English also draws attention.

'Gyoyang Research Institute' screen on the KCCI Sofple homepage [Image source: Capture from Sofple homepage]

The 'MBTI Economic Tips' series contains the unique insight that Perceiving types (P) save more on travel expenses than Judging types (J). According to the airline ticket sales mechanism, prices become cheaper as the departure date approaches, so P types who travel impulsively can travel more cheaply. One reader commented, "I will try traveling as a P type next time."

The 'Learning Economics through Girl Groups' corner is the most popular. Reporter Seongwoon Yuseong from JoongAng Ilbo easily explained economic concepts such as sunk costs and menu costs through the member changes in the idol group Fifty Fifty.

Professor Jongrin Mo of Yonsei University, known as the 'Alleyway Economist,' presented the future of small business owners. He explained the evolving self-employment mediated by content and digital technology, citing local economic cases such as Jeju's 'Jeju In Magazine' and Siheung's 'Donkey Market.' One reader expressed expectations for startups, saying, "The case where the owner becomes a content creator really resonated with me."

KCCI is recruiting contributors who can share hidden stories of economic history or interesting brands. Contributors receive a modest manuscript fee and monthly popular article incentives. Applications can be made via the banner at the bottom of each 'Gyoyang-i Research Institute' post or on Sople's Instagram.

A KCCI official said, "Sople is a platform that gathers diverse voices from the economic community, and through 'Gyoyang-i Research Institute,' we aim to provide richer knowledge and information," adding, "We look forward to the participation of many people interested in economics and business."