▲ Banner Celebrating the Selection of ‘2024 Glocal University’ Installed at the East Gate

On Aug 28, CWNU was officially selected as a finalist for the ‘2024 Glocal University 30’ initiative. The term ‘Glocal’ is a compound of ‘global’ and ‘local,’ and the ‘Glocal University 30’ initiative is one of the government’s three major educational reform policies aimed at fostering regional universities with global competitiveness by representing local characteristics. With this achievement, CWNU has been approved for national recognition for its innovation in research and education, marking a new turning point for regional education and research initiatives.

CWNU received positive evaluations for its plan to drive comprehensive growth, not only for the university but also for the regional community. The approach, based on the AGILE (Adaptive Global Innovation Learning Environment) system— a dynamic operational model designed for swift and flexible adaptation to change— was recognized for its detailed strategic performance vision. CWNU aims to become a leading research institution for the Changwon National Industrial Complex by partnering with key research institutes, like the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute and the Korea Institute of Materials Science. By integrating with other public universities, including the University of Gyeongnam Geochang, University of Gyeongnam Namhae, and Korea Lift College, CWNU plans to develop a robust governance model for higher education in Gyeongnam. The university will focus on specializing in defense, nuclear, and smart manufacturing industries and will introduce innovative educational models to cultivate talent in DNA+ fields.

CWNU plans to recognize its educational system to cultivate high- level experts in the DNA+ specialization fields. This will include research in areas such as advanced defense component technologies, SMR (Small Modular Reactor) manufacturing, digitalization of aerospace materials, and biotechnology advancements. CWNU plans to launch DNA+ Professional Graduate Schools, featuring specialized research labs and advanced educational programs. It will incorporate cutting- edge software and offer international joint courses with institutions such as MIT, Kyushu University, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The university will also eliminate traditional boundaries by allowing unlimited major changes, implementing multi- layered degree programs, and using AI- enhanced coordinators. Freshmen will explore interdisciplinary options, sophomores will choose their majors, and juniors and seniors will engage in advanced studies.

By 2028, CWNU aims to produce 1,000 DNA+ experts, rank in the top 20 in Asia for specialized fields according to QS World University Rankings, achieve a 60% local talent retention rate, and attain a 55% satisfaction rate with the living environment geared towards young people. Furthermore, CWNU intends to establish a Glocal Education Talent Center to oversee the educational objectives and strategies of its Glocal initiatives, concentrating on the active development of interdisciplinary talent.

Universities selected for the "Glocal University 30" initiative will receive around ₩100 billion in government funding over the next five years, with integrated institutions potentially getting up to ₩150 billion. This funding is intended to boost regional economies and reduce talent concentration in capital areas. The initiative supports regional specialization, international collaboration, and joint research, promoting sustainable development and community growth. CWNU has secured ₩691.7 billion in government and local funding for this purpose.

President Park Min-won stated, “CWNU is committed to revitalizing the regional economy and preventing the outflow of young talent, striving to become the premier model of a regional- industrial- based research university.” He added, “Even after the completion of the Glocal University project, we will focus all our efforts on becoming a sustainable institution and advancing to the top 20 in Asia for specialized fields according to QS rankings.” He further added, “Thanks to the collaboration with Gyeongnam Province, Changwon Special City, Geochang County, Namhae County, as well as local schools and businesses, we have successfully established a collaborative system that aligns with the goals of the Glocal University initiative.”

Following its selection as a Glocal University, CWNU is set to enhance its research in DNA+ smart manufacturing and aims to extend its influence beyond Changwon City for global competitiveness. This initiative will offer students increased educational opportunities and support regional economic growth by training skilled professionals in defense, nuclear power, and smart manufacturing. It is also expected to boost CWNU’s global reputation through top- tier research and education, driving sustainable growth and achieving international success.

By Yoon Hye-won, cub-reporter  flipp1005@naver.com

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