Seol Kyung-won, Professor Emeritus, received the Minister of Science and ICT's Commendation in recognition of his contributions to the promotion of regional science and technology and the development of a region-led, decentralized innovation growth system.

As Chair of the Jeonbuk Regional Innovation Council, Professor Seol contributed to regional innovation by formulating comprehensive plans for Jeonbuk's industry and science and technology, facilitating regional development investment agreements, and reviewing and advising on plans for regulatory free special zones.

He also served as a member of the Saemangeum Development Agency's self-evaluation committee and as a member of the Jeonbuk Saemangeum Policy Forum, where he advanced Saemangeum at the national level through the formulation and advisement of renewable energy policies and took a leading role in policy development and advisory efforts to foster the carbon industry.

In particular, from 2019 until last year he served as Chair of the Local Science and Technology Promotion Council, dedicating himself to promoting regional science and technology and the development of a region-led, decentralized innovation growth system by managing local councils for regional R&D promotion, supporting the development of plans to restructure regional R&D systems, and supporting the formation and operation of task forces to review the 5th Local Comprehensive Plan.

Additionally, from 2012 for five years he served as Director of the Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Leaders in INdustry-University Cooperation Project Group (LINC Project Group), where he established a university-centered framework for industry–university–research–government cooperation, expanded the university’s role in supporting regional industries, and significantly contributed to start-up creation and regional business revitalization by institutionalizing the transfer of university-held technologies to companies.