Local Universities, Companies, and Institutions Gather Together
Seeking to Strengthen the Innovation Ecosystem Based on Contract Research
The Busan Institute for Science and Technology Promotion (BISTEP), led by President Kim Youngbu, held the "2025 2nd Busan Research and Industry Promotion Complex Network Exchange Meeting" at the Westin Josun Busan on December 2, 2025, where participants discussed ways to revitalize the local contract research ecosystem.
BISTEP is having a network exchange meeting at the Busan Research and Industrial Promotion Complex and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by BISTEP
Approximately 60 people attended the event, including representatives from Busan Metropolitan City, BISTEP, local universities and related organizations, as well as companies that have carried out external support projects from 2023 to 2025.
The event began with a report on the 2025 progress of the Busan Research and Industry Promotion Complex Development Project, followed by presentations on exemplary companies that have strengthened their technological innovation capabilities, a sharing session on the achievements of the contract research company coordinating program, and an analysis of the current status of resident companies and the local industry.
During the presentations by exemplary companies, participants shared the research and development process based on supported projects, major achievements, and future utilization plans, drawing significant interest from the field. The coordinating program presentation highlighted improvements in commercialization readiness through customized competency assessments for companies and the resulting investment linkages, confirming the program's practical benefits for participating companies. The subsequent networking session facilitated active exchanges of technological cooperation and research demand among companies, universities, and institutions.
Kim Youngbu, President of BISTEP, stated, "This exchange meeting has served as a catalyst for advancing the collaborative ecosystem based on contract research," adding, "We will actively strengthen the research industry cooperation network to provide practical support for companies in their research and development and commercialization processes."
The Busan Research and Industry Promotion Complex Development Project designates the Centum City General Industrial Complex (covering the areas of Usong-dong and Jaesong-dong in Haeundae-gu) as a research and industry promotion complex. The project supports the growth and innovation capabilities of contract research companies within the complex, thereby promoting the advancement of local industries and the creation of new industries. Through these efforts, the goal is to develop Centum City into a hub for the digital convergence contract research industry.
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