Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Regional Development Research Institute (Director Kwon Deok-cheol) on the 12th signed an agreement with the Jeonju Municipal Research Institute (Director Park Mi-ja) to establish a cooperative framework for mutual growth with the local community through collaborative research.

The JBNU Regional Development Research Institute was established to serve as a leading forum driving regional development through the Glocal University 30 Project. It is a representative research institute for addressing regional issues by building an all‑round cooperative framework with the region, identifying major national R&D programs related to regionally specialized industries, preventing regional depopulation, and resolving technical challenges faced by local companies.

The Jeonju Municipal Research Institute opened on December 2 of last year as a policy research institute that provides a blueprint for Jeonju's development and will steer the aspirations of Jeonju citizens.

This memorandum of understanding was concluded to enable the two institutions to cooperate in sharing and analyzing accumulated data on consultations and collaborations concerning regional issues. Going forward, they will share materials based on data, practical knowledge, experience, and expertise.

They also agreed to operate joint programs for research cooperation to strengthen mutual competitiveness, technology cooperation, and tailored talent development for local government, industry, academia, and research institutes, and to actively identify and pursue sustainable collaborative projects.

Kwon Deok-cheol, Director of the JBNU Regional Development Research Institute, said, "Through this agreement, by fully utilizing the research findings and data produced by both institutions, we will drive mutual growth and development and generate synergy for regional development." He added, "We will actively utilize the university's accumulated research capabilities to respond effectively to the issues facing the 14 cities and counties of Jeollabuk‑do." 

Park Mi-ja, Director of the Jeonju Municipal Research Institute, emphasized, "Our goal is to actively identify and implement joint projects between the two institutions to realize the Jeonju metropolitan area as the center of Jeollabuk Special Self‑Governing Province, enhance mutual benefits, and improve quality of life." She stressed, "We will present solutions to address regional issues, including operating citizen‑participation based problem‑solving systems."