Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Regional Development Research Institute has expanded its role as a 'Local–Industry–Academia–Research Think Tank Platform' for addressing local issues and fostering regional strategic industries. It is establishing itself as an operational hub that leads problem-solving and the development of strategic industries in the region.

JBNU established the Regional Development Research Institute in 2023 as a core implementation task of the Glocal University 30 project to build a cooperative system for mutual growth between the region and the university. The institute launched as a university-based policy and industry linkage platform dedicated to addressing local issues and fostering strategic industries, and it performs a think-tank role connecting local governments, industry, academia, and research institutes.

Since then, centered on regional hub research institutes such as the Namwon Development Research Institute, the Wanju Research Institute, and the Iksan Animal Healthcare Research Institute, it has built a regionally tailored implementation system that integrates policy research, business support, industry linkage, and responses to national projects.

Notably, it institutionalized a cooperation model that combines university faculty and research infrastructure to supplement the research capacity limitations of basic local governments. Through collaborations with Namwon City and Wanju County, the institute led the enactment of university cooperation ordinances, secured foundations for local government subsidies, and embedded a university-centered policy support system within the formal institutional framework.

On this basis, the institute is currently conducting 21 policy studies centered on four regional research institutes, strengthening links with regional strategic industries. It has expanded its cooperation network through policy forums, operating subcommittees, and signing inter-institutional MOUs. At the same time, it continuously publishes policy materials such as issue briefs and topic guides, establishing a rapid-response system for local issues.

The institute's success in attracting national projects has also been notable. Centered on the Iksan Animal Healthcare Research Institute, it supported the policy rationale design and response strategies for projects totaling KRW 79 billion, including the establishment of a Veterinary Drug Clinical Trial Center (KRW 30 billion) and the designation of a Next-Generation Veterinary Drug Regulatory Free Zone (KRW 49 billion). It played a central role in connecting regional strategic industries to national projects.

In addition, it continues to provide substantive policy support for major Jeonbuk issues, including reviewing the rationale for attracting the Namwon Second Central Police Academy, advising on response strategies for Wanju County's distributed energy and hydrogen-specialized complex, and supporting the promotion of a basic agreement for the Jeonju Innovation Park.

Visible results have also emerged in company support linked to industry sites. Through a needs survey of 102 companies, the institute identified 115 technological challenges and built a company demand database. Based on this, it facilitated six technology transfers, 14 R&D linkage supports, and 112 business consultations, driving the industrial dissemination of university research outcomes.

It also aided market validation and market expansion for local companies' products through support for the 'Local Fair' exhibition and live-commerce operations, and some companies have achieved tangible results such as increased sales and improved production processes.

President Yang O-bong said, 'We are organically connecting policy, industry, and company sites so that the university does not remain confined to research but can function as an operational platform for solving local problems. Going forward, we will further advance the field-centered policy support system to build a structure in which the region and the university grow together.'