Yeongju High-Tech Bearing Technology Center Transitions to Permanent Organization... Advancing as a Cutting-Edge R&D Hub in Cooperation with the Local Community

The Only Bearing Research Institute in Korea
Growing Together with the Local Industrial Ecosystem

Yeongju High-Tech Bearing Technology Center (Director Kim Jonghyeong) under the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (President Lee Sangmok), established to strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic bearing industry, is gaining attention as a research and development hub for the advanced bearing industry and as a leading research institution that fosters mutual growth with the local community.

Yeongju City is hosting the International Tribo System Symposium. Photo by Yeongju City

Last year, Yeongju High-Tech Bearing Technology Center ranked first among 39 temporary organizations under six national government-funded research institutes in the appropriateness evaluation for temporary organizations, conducted by the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST). As a result, the center was converted into a permanent organization in March of this year.

This evaluation comprehensively assessed various indicators, including technical development achievements, equipment utilization rates, corporate support performance, and community connectivity. The center demonstrated excellence across all areas, proving its outstanding capabilities.

With its transition to a permanent organization, the center has established a stable operational system, laying the foundation for long-term technology development and customized corporate support projects in connection with the local industry.

Yeongju High-Tech Bearing Technology Center not only serves as a hub for advanced research and development but also functions as a platform for mutual growth with the local community and the industrial ecosystem.

In 2023, the center signed a joint research and development agreement with Samsung Electronics, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Gyeongbuk Province, and Yeongju City, playing a central role in public-private-academic cooperation through customized technical support for companies. In addition, based on the "Mutual Growth Cooperation Agreement for Responding to Local Extinction" signed with Yeongju City, the center has been continuously promoting practical support projects for local companies, such as equipment support, technology transfer, and joint projects.

Furthermore, by linking with the Yeongju Advanced Bearing National Industrial Complex development project, the center is serving as a catalyst for attracting companies and creating jobs. Since 2020, it has also contributed to nurturing local talent by donating a cumulative 15 million KRW in scholarships to the Yeongju City Talent Development Scholarship Foundation.

Director Kim Jonghyeong stated, "The High-Tech Bearing Technology Center will continue to grow as a pivotal research hub for securing global competitiveness in the domestic bearing industry, based on the dual pillars of advanced technology-centered research and development and mutual growth with the local community."