UNIST Steps Up for Regional Development... Launches 'U Future Strategy Institute'

Science and Technology, Industrial Innovation Think Tank,
Pursuing Mutual Growth with the Local Community
Proposing Tailored Policies to Attract Young Talent and Skilled Professionals to Ulsan

UNIST (President Park Jongrae) has launched the 'U Future Strategy Institute' to identify new engines of regional growth for the future.

As a research-oriented university outside the Seoul metropolitan area, UNIST has established a turning point for Ulsan and the southeastern region to grow into future-oriented industrial cities.

The opening ceremony of the 'U Future Strategy Institute' was held on May 12 at the UNIST Business Administration Building, attended by Song Jaeho, Chairman of Kyungdong Holdings, Ahn Hyodae, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Ulsan, Hong Seongwoo, Ulsan City Council member, Kang Yungu, Head of Business at Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority, and others.

The ceremony began with a commemorative address by UNIST President Park Jongrae and congratulatory remarks from key figures. Seo Byungki, Director of the U Future Strategy Institute, introduced the vision and core projects of the organization. The attendees then held a plaque unveiling ceremony, strengthening the foundation for cooperation among regional organizations.

The 'U Future Strategy Institute' will serve as a think tank for regional development, leveraging UNIST's research capabilities to design strategies for securing future growth engines in the region. It will establish mid- to long-term development plans for industrial innovation and cover a range of fields, including science and technology, industrial strategy planning, and urban design.

In particular, UNIST faculty members will participate directly to develop original strategies and refine them into actionable plans. The institute will analyze the impact of demographic changes on various sectors, including the labor market, industrial structure, housing, welfare, and education in the southeastern region. Based on these analyses, it plans to propose tailored policies to attract young people and highly skilled talent.

Director Seo Byungki stated, "The U Future Strategy Institute will become a key think tank for the sustainable development of the southeastern region," adding, "We will support regional industrial policies and provide customized consulting for companies to achieve mutual growth with the local community."

President Park Jongrae said, "Ulsan faces a number of challenges, including rapidly changing industrial structures, demographic shifts, and the climate crisis," and added, "As a pioneer leading regional innovation and development, UNIST will spearhead a new era of transformation for the southeastern region."