"I hope this will serve as a catalyst for establishing an Industry–University Collaboration system in which universities and businesses can coexist in the region."

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) (President Yang Oh-bong) Executive Vice-President of Research Song Cheol-gyu, who also serves as Director of the LINC 3.0 Project Group (Leaders in INdustry-university Cooperation 3.0) (Professor, Division of Electronic Engineering, College of Engineering), donated 30 million won in development funds to promote industry–university collaboration with local companies.

The Jeonbuk National University Development Foundation held a donation ceremony for the development fund on December 19 at 2:50 p.m. in the President's Office of the University Headquarters, with President Yang Oh-bong and key university officials in attendance. A plaque of appreciation was presented in recognition of the donation.

Serving concurrently as Director of the LINC 3.0 Project Group, Executive Vice-President Song decided to contribute the fund to strengthen university support for JBNU's affiliated companies that provide various forms of assistance to the university and to reinforce the foundation for mutual growth between the university and local companies.

Executive Vice-President Song holds a strong belief that nurturing small and growing enterprises in the region will lead to regional economic revitalization. Accordingly, under the LINC 3.0 program he has proactively led the "Outstanding Technology Development Product Certification Support Program," which opens public procurement channels for excellent local products and provides tailored technology development consulting. Many companies have grown into competitive small enterprises with the university's support.

In recognition of these contributions and achievements, he recently received a commendation from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy at the New Technology Commercialization Promotion Competition hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

In accordance with Executive Vice-President Song's wishes, the fund will be used to support JBNU's affiliated companies and to promote industry–university collaboration.

Executive Vice-President Song said, "Through selection for the Glocal University 30 project, JBNU intends to fulfill its role as a flagship university so that both the university and the region can achieve mutual development. I hope this fund will serve as the catalyst for the growth of excellent local companies that form a solid foundation for regional economic development."