President of KISE Holds First Press Conference Since Taking Office
"An Attitude That Does Not Fear Challenges or Failure Is Important"
"Aiming for Top Integrity Rating... Enhancing Internal Trust"
"The reason our country has become an economic powerhouse is thanks to the spirit of the first-generation entrepreneurs. The future advancement of the Korean economy depends on startups."
Yoo Jongpil, President of the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, made this statement at a press conference held on the 21st at the Kensington Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. The event was organized to mark his second month in office and to share his field activities and key policy directions so far.
President Yoo emphasized, "Entrepreneurial spirit is the key to revitalizing the startup ecosystem," and added, "The role of KISE is extremely important to ensure that startups can serve as the driving force behind the advancement of the Korean economy, as well as employment and exports."
Yoo Jongpil, President of the Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, is speaking at his first press conference since taking office, held on the 21st at the Kensington Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development
He presented the following as key priorities during his term: intensive support for startups in super-gap new industries; open innovation through cooperation between large corporations and startups; globalization of the startup ecosystem and attracting overseas entrepreneurial talent; and expanding hub-based startup infrastructure and streamlining support programs.
President Yoo stated, "Through the Super Gap 1000+ Project, we have selected and supported about 600 startups in new technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) over the past three years, and this year alone, we are supporting around 2,000 startups at various growth stages." He continued, "We will discover more partner organizations, including global companies and large corporations, to broaden collaboration and provide high-quality support services to startups."
He has also continued with field-oriented activities. Since taking office in February, President Yoo has personally visited 32 startup sites nationwide. The site that left the greatest impression on him was Samgoe High School in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, the first in Korea to adopt 'Entrepreneurial Spirit' as a regular curriculum subject.
He said, "Entrepreneurial spirit is not just for starting a business; it is an attitude of not fearing challenges and failures. For the younger generation, it can become a mindset for life." He added, "Currently, the subject is being piloted in three high schools, but next year, we will expand the 'Entrepreneurial Spirit' curriculum nationwide."
He went on to say, "In the United States, there are many entrepreneurial spirit research centers within universities, but in Korea, there are none yet." He continued, "We plan to actively propose the establishment of such centers by maintaining ongoing communication with domestic universities."
He also announced plans for organizational culture reform. The Korea Institute of Startup & Entrepreneurship Development, which was designated as a public institution in 2011, has hired a large number of new employees in recent years, leading to concerns about a lack of 'mid-level personnel' to serve as the backbone of the organization.
President Yoo diagnosed, "KISE has received a level 4 integrity rating for three consecutive years. There is no corruption, and external evaluations are not bad, but the low internal score is due to distrust between senior and junior staff."
He stressed, "Restoring internal culture and trust is the top priority. The leadership will renew its commitment from the top down. This year, we will undertake comprehensive reforms with the goal of achieving a level 1 integrity rating."
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