Three Implementing Agencies to Be Selected
Up to 6 Billion KRW in Support Over Three Years
On the 12th, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it is recruiting implementing agencies for the '2025 Regional Specialized Manufacturing Data Activation Project' to promote digital innovation in local manufacturing companies.
This project aims to support small and medium manufacturing companies in effectively adopting and utilizing AI and manufacturing data by integrating physical infrastructure and professional personnel related to manufacturing AI centered on regional manufacturing AI centers. Through this, it plans to accelerate the digital transformation of local manufacturing companies and strengthen the competitiveness of the entire manufacturing industry, including solution providers, by creating an AI-based manufacturing innovation ecosystem.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups explained that despite AI technology emerging as a core element of future industries, small and medium enterprises face difficulties in adopting AI, which is a major background for promoting this project. Currently, many SMEs are unable to utilize AI technology due to a shortage of AI professionals and financial constraints. In particular, to promote AI utilization and digital transformation of local manufacturing companies, it is necessary to spread AI professionals and solution providers to the regions. Accordingly, this project was planned to establish regional manufacturing AI centers and prepare a support system that can promote the use of AI and manufacturing data.
When selecting implementing agencies, the Ministry plans to prioritize whether differentiated programs linked to regional key industries are planned, the possibility of utilizing existing regional AI and manufacturing-related physical infrastructure, and whether a cooperative system with local governments, universities, research institutes, and solution providers is established. Through this, customized manufacturing AI support reflecting regional characteristics and strengths will be provided.
A total of three implementing agencies will be selected for this project, and the implementing agencies can participate in the form of a consortium composed of local governments, specialized institutions related to manufacturing innovation in the region, universities and research institutes, SMEs, mid-sized companies, and large corporations.
The selected implementing agencies will perform roles such as establishing and operating manufacturing AI centers, securing and distributing AI solutions tailored to the characteristics of local manufacturing companies, and discovering and spreading excellent achievements and cases. The project support scale is up to 12 billion KRW per manufacturing AI center, with up to 50% of this funded by the national government. The remainder must be procured through matching local government funds and private contributions.
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