BISTEP Marks 10th Anniversary: Attracts 1.3 Trillion Won in R&D and Unveils Strategy for the Next Decade

BISTEP Announces Innovation Initiatives... Achieves 140 Billion Won in Budget Savings

The Busan Institute of Science and Technology Promotion (BISTEP) has marked its 10th anniversary by reviewing its achievements to date and formalizing a mid-to-long-term strategy to prepare for the next decade.

The institute announced plans to lead a Busan-style innovation governance system, leveraging its comprehensive science and technology administrative capabilities, which range from R&D planning to budget coordination and policy support.

On July 3, BISTEP held its 10th anniversary celebration under the slogan "Be the STEP!" at the Nurimaru APEC House in Busan.

Busan Institute of Science and Technology Promotion is holding a commemorative ceremony and taking a group photo to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Photo by BISTEP

Approximately 90 employees from the main institute and affiliated organizations attended the event, which went beyond a simple commemoration to include the sharing of achievements and the presentation of the institute's vision.

The event featured a performance by the Busan City Choir, followed by the first screening of BISTEP’s 2025 promotional video highlighting its journey. Welcoming remarks were delivered by President Kim Youngbu, and congratulatory video messages were presented by Busan Mayor Park Hyungjoon, City Council Chairperson Ahn Sungmin, and National Assembly members Park Sooyoung and Jeon Jaesoo.

Notably, the main highlights included the presentation of appreciation plaques to nine long-serving employees who have grown with the institute, as well as the announcement of BISTEP’s future initiatives. During the event, BISTEP shared a concrete roadmap for the next decade, which includes the advancement of Busan-style R&D strategies, the promotion of technology-based industrial transformation, and responses to digital and green transitions.

BISTEP is an organization under the Busan Metropolitan Government, established in 2015 in accordance with the Busan Science and Technology Promotion Ordinance. Over the past 10 years since its founding, it has attracted a total of 1.3 trillion won in national R&D projects and achieved approximately 140 billion won in budget savings through the allocation and coordination of Busan’s R&D budget.

A BISTEP official stated, "We aim to go beyond being a simple research management institution and become a hub that connects science and technology-based policies and industries," adding, "We will strengthen our role as a focal point leading a region-driven technological innovation ecosystem."