The city of Daejeon announced on the 19th that it has launched the Advanced Root Industry Association to modernize the root industry (basic manufacturing) and strengthen regional industrial competitiveness. Recently, the Advanced Root Industry Association held an office opening ceremony at the Daejeon Technopark Intelligent Robot Industry Center and began its full-fledged activities.

According to the city of Daejeon, as of the end of last year, there were 1,946 root companies in the region, with a total sales amounting to approximately KRW 5.4 trillion and employing 24,290 people. By sector, industries based on advanced technology, such as industrial intelligent software (974 companies), precision processing (243 companies), and engineering design (209 companies), account for more than 90% of the total, forming a predominantly intelligent and convergent industrial structure.

The root industry, which includes casting, mold making, plastic working, welding, surface treatment, and heat treatment, serves as a foundational industry for manufacturing and is essential in the production processes of most industries, such as automotive, machinery, electronics, and energy. However, due to changes in conditions such as workforce aging, widening technology gaps, changes in global supply chains, and the transition to carbon neutrality, there is an increasing need to establish a joint response system to overcome the limitations of individual company responses.

In response, the city has been promoting the establishment of the association since last year with the goal of organizing a consultative body that reflects the voices of the industrial field and building a foundation for modernization. The city has provided step-by-step support for legal procedures such as holding the association's inaugural general meeting, obtaining establishment approval, and court registration, and has offered administrative support to help the association establish itself as a hub for industry-academia-research cooperation encompassing root companies, research institutions, and universities. Following this, the Advanced Root Industry Association held its inaugural general meeting in June this year, completed its establishment approval in July, and court registration in August, officially launching as a non-profit corporation this month.

The association aims to create an innovative ecosystem incorporating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, smart sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Through this, it plans to lead the way in enhancing the competitiveness of regional companies by establishing a future-oriented manufacturing base, including process automation, production efficiency, and the development of eco-friendly manufacturing technologies. Additionally, it plans to strengthen connections with local universities and research institutions to promote the training of specialized personnel, technology transfer, and the expansion of joint research and development (R&D).

Choi Won-hyuk, Director of the Corporate Support Bureau of Daejeon City, stated, “With the official opening of the office, we hope that the Advanced Root Industry Association will establish itself as an innovation platform for the regional root industry,” adding, “The city will continue to cooperate closely with the association to actively support regional root companies in achieving sustainable growth through technological innovation and competitiveness enhancement.”

Popular News