□ The inauguration ceremony for Hee-Kwon Jeong, the 7th Chairman of the INNOPOLIS Foundation (hereinafter referred to as 'the Foundation'), was held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 2 PM in the Foundation's conference hall.

 

□ In his inaugural address, Chairman Hee-Kwon Jeong emphasized, "I will strive to commercialize national strategic technologies and firmly establish the foundation for the INNOPOLIS to leap forward as a global innovation cluster."

 

□ Chairman Hee-Kwon Jeong entered public service through the 38th National Civil Service Examination. He has served as the Director of the International Science and Business Belt Creation Promotion Team at the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, the Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Director-General of Science and Technology Policy, and the Coordinator of Science and Technology Innovation. Starting from his inauguration on July 3, he will lead the Foundation for the next three years.

 

Attachment 1

Inauguration Ceremony Photos

[Photo 1] Hee-Kwon Jeong, the newly appointed Chairman of the INNOPOLIS Foundation, is delivering his inaugural address.

[Photo 2] Hee-Kwon Jeong, the newly appointed Chairman of the INNOPOLIS Foundation, is participating in the national pledge with the staff.

Attachment 2

Inaugural Address of Hee-Kwon Jeong, the 7th Chairman of the INNOPOLIS Foundation

Dear employees of the INNOPOLIS Foundation

I am Hee-Kwon Jeong, and I have been appointed as the 7th Chairman of the INNOPOLIS Foundation.

 

Around the world, a silent war is taking place to secure technological competitiveness, and our Republic of Korea is also at a crossroads of change and innovation.

At this crucial moment, I feel a deep sense of responsibility as I take on the important role of Chairman of a public institution that leads the development of INNOPOLIS, the commercialization of public technology, and regional scientific and technological innovation.

As you all know, INNOPOLIS has significantly contributed to innovation and industrial development based on science and technology over the past 50 years.

The research infrastructure, entrepreneurial environment, human resources, and know-how accumulated during this process are our unique assets that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere.

Based on this foundation, INNOPOLIS has expanded nationwide as a leading model of scientific and technological innovation in Korea. Currently, there are five metropolitan INNOPOLIS, including Daedeok, and 14 specialized INNOPOLIS designated to drive regional development through economic growth and job creation.

Furthermore, last year, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Daedeok INNOPOLIS and proclaimed a vision for the future, reaffirming our position at the forefront of national scientific and technological innovation and continuously advancing to establish ourselves as the world's top global convergence cluster.

In line with these expectations, we must work together to maximize the competitiveness of our foundation to not only lead specialized industries in the region but also fully function as a globally competitive hub of regional innovation.

To achieve this, there are many tasks ahead, but I would like to highlight the key initiatives that we will focus on in terms of business and organizational operations.

 

In terms of business aspects:

 

Firstly, we will strive to commercialize national strategic technologies.

National strategic technologies such as AI, semiconductors, advanced biotechnology, and quantum technologies not only contribute to national security but also accelerate technological development through cross-disciplinary integration, leading to rapid market growth. We will enhance the capabilities of startups and technology commercialization in these key areas to ensure that companies, public institutions, and universities can contribute to the new missions required by the nation.

Secondly, we will ensure that our foundation performs its function of supporting technology commercialization to invigorate research and innovation activities within the Innopolis.

To this end, we will establish a systematic system to provide improved technology commercialization and startup support services to companies, public research institutes, and universities within the Innopolis. Additionally, we will overhaul various systems such as systematic patent management and technology transfer activities to build a virtuous cycle where technology-based startups based on public research achievements lead to regional growth.

In nurturing Innopolis companies, we will focus on selection and concentration rather than mere quantitative expansion, concentrating our capabilities on systematically fostering promising Innopolis companies.

Thirdly, we will solidify the foundation for the Innopolis to leap forward as a global innovation cluster.

We will activate support for overseas market entry to introduce the excellent technologies and products of Innopolis-based companies to markets in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other regions. Furthermore, through collaboration with overseas science parks with similar functions to the Innopolis, we will link excellent systems and policies related to technology commercialization, thereby contributing to the internationalization of the Innopolis.

Lastly, we will strive to build an innovation infrastructure conducive to startups and commercialization within the Innopolis.

In connection with the reinvention of Daedeok Innopolis, we will successfully implement the creation of K-Kendall Square, creating an innovative environment for startups, investment, and business support. Additionally, we will actively identify and address regulatory improvement needs within the Innopolis, working to create a regulatory-free innovative environment through regulatory exceptions and R&D-linked support.

I have emphasized innovation a lot earlier, but innovation can only be achieved by moving forward together toward a common goal, based on trust through mutual communication.

In this regard, from an organizational management perspective, I plan to focus on the following aspects:

Firstly, we will strengthen communication with internal and external stakeholders of the INNOPOLIS Foundation to gather opinions from the field and work on necessary institutional improvements. In particular, we will ensure that our employees clearly understand the foundation's mission and share the goals we need to achieve.

Secondly, we intend to streamline our organizational structure to enhance the efficiency of the foundation's operations and improve user-centered services. We will identify and eliminate any waste or inefficiencies in the work processes and ensure that material and human resources are appropriately utilized in the necessary areas.

Lastly, we will adhere to all relevant laws and regulations in the course of our work while promoting ethical management to avoid conflicts of interest. We will robustly operate systems that support work-life balance, such as flexible working hours, and lead the way in establishing a healthy organizational culture and a safe working environment, including eradicating workplace harassment.

 

Dear Staff,

If we tackle the difficulties that arise in the course of our work with a united heart and share even the small joys together, we will be able to work happily and find fulfillment as members of the Innopolis community.

As a member of the Innopolis community myself, I will carry out my duties with a sense of mission, actively support you, and work together with you.

Thank you.

 

July 3, 2024

Hee-Kwon Jeong, Chairman of the INNOPOLIS Foundation