South Korean regions expand AI and semiconductor industrial ecosystems

South Korean regional governments and universities are aggressively expanding industrial ecosystems in sectors such as AI, semiconductors, bio-health, and future mobility to secure talent and R&D capabilities. In the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, Kyungpook National University is spearheading this movement by proposing the establishment of a specialized 'Physical AI' college. This initiative aims to produce 300 core experts annually through restructured departments and enhanced faculty-to-student ratios.

To support this, Kyungpook National University is strengthening ties with major corporations, including expanding its contract department with Samsung Electronics to a combined bachelor's and master's program and collaborating with NVIDIA and HD Hyundai Robotics on digital twin manufacturing platforms. Local governments in Daegu and Gyeongbuk have also signed agreements to provide administrative and financial support for these super-regional growth engines.

However, this concentrated development in non-metropolitan areas creates competitive pressure for Incheon. While regions like Busan, Gwangju, and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area receive significant government support for industry-university integration, Incheon—classified as part of the metropolitan area—is excluded from certain regional growth subsidies. This exclusion may hinder Incheon's ability to compete for the same companies, research facilities, and specialized personnel in overlapping industries like semiconductors and robotics.