BISTEP Launches Science and Technology Policy Forum to Propel Busan as a Global Ocean Hub

The First Official Policy Platform for Local Science and Technology Community Participation
Discussing the Arctic Route, Maritime Strategy, and R&D Implementation Plans

On August 11, the Busan Institute of Science and Technology Advancement (BISTEP), led by President Kim Youngbu, held the 1st Busan Science and Technology Policy Forum under the theme "Busan Science and Technology Colloquium for Advancing as a Global Ocean Hub City" at the Grand Ballroom of the Asti Hotel in Busan.

Busan Institute of Science and Technology Promotion is holding a commemorative photo session at the 1st Busan Science and Technology Policy Forum. Photo by BISTEP

This forum marks the first official stage for local science and technology professionals to participate in policy-making. Its goal is to build a "performance-driven policy platform" that goes beyond simple discourse to encompass policy proposals and the foundation for execution.

More than 50 experts from industry, academia, research, and government attended the event, including representatives from the Busan-Ulsan Regional Association of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies, the Busan Science and Technology Council, the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam Branch of the Association of Korean Woman Scientists and Engineers, and the Southeast Headquarters of the National Alliance for Realizing a Rightful Science and Technology Society.

During the keynote presentations, Shin Hyungchul, Director of the Korea Polar Research Institute, discussed the development of the Arctic route and Busan's maritime strategy. Kim Sewon, Director at the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), presented the history and future vision for the advancement of marine science and technology in Busan. Chae Junwon, Director at BISTEP, unveiled a region-led marine R&D planning and attraction system, along with strategies for implementation.

The colloquium, themed "A Global Ocean Hub City: Asking about Busan's Future," addressed topics such as strategic responses to the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, enhancing the status of Busan's marine and fisheries industries, and practical ways for the science and technology community to contribute. Participants agreed that building a policy network and maintaining ongoing cooperation are key to securing leadership in emerging marine industries.

President Kim Youngbu stated, "This forum is a meaningful beginning, as the local science and technology community has voluntarily united around shared concerns," and added, "By holding the policy forum on a regular basis, we will serve as a strong bridge to ensure that creative ideas are translated into R&D projects."