InterviewKyungpook National University sets sights on becoming country’s AI hub

Kyungpook National University President Heo Young-woo speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the university's main building in Daegu, Aug. 22. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Education may remain a core mission of universities, but research is increasingly shaping their global standing. Kyungpook National University President Heo Young-woo stressed that a research-focused strategy is no longer optional, but essential for institutions striving to thrive outside Seoul.

“The globalization we pursue goes beyond educating students. We view research as a key driver to raise our global profile and strengthen the university’s international competitiveness,” Heo said in a recent interview with The Korea Times.

He emphasized that, especially for regional universities, building robust research environments in collaboration with local governments can create a virtuous cycle, cultivating top experts and contributing to more balanced national development.

“With artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies at the center of global attention, we are working to reinforce our foundation in basic studies and integrate AI to build greater competitiveness,” Heo added.

Kyungpook National University is stepping up efforts to cement its reputation as a research-driven institution with global prestige, launching three major convergence research institutes to enhance its competitiveness.

In addition, the university unveiled a distinguished science lab, enabling top-performing professors to continue running their research after retirement, ensuring their expertise and achievements are passed on to the next generation of scholars.

The impact is already visible.

According to 2023 disclosure data, the university ranked No. 1 in research performance among Korea’s national universities, securing 210.9 billion won ($151.5 million) in research funding and producing 1,000 SCIE-level papers.

It also led in intellectual property, filing 723 patents and generating 3.7 billion won in technology transfer revenue — cementing its position as a leader in research and innovation.

Kyungpook National University's semiconductor institute / Courtesy of Kyungpook National University

“We plan to further strengthen our semiconductor capabilities and position the institute as a leader in the field,” Heo said. “At the same time, we are focusing on future robotics and mobility, while building on our strong foundation in medicine and health care.”

In July, Kyungpook National University announced plans to establish a strategic hub for AI, signaling a major shift in policy. The initiative brings together the university’s existing AI-related departments and graduate programs under an integrated system that also emphasizes AI ethics and social responsibility, with the goal of creating stronger synergy between research and education.

The university is also restructuring and merging departments to expand interdisciplinary ties across engineering, medicine and the humanities, while strengthening education in AI ethics and accountability. Through these efforts, the university aims to position itself as Korea’s leading hub for AI skill development.

Kyungpook National University has already presented its blueprint for an AI-focused university to Ha Jung-woo, senior presidential secretary for AI and future planning, formally requesting policy support and government funding.

“Both the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Education are committed to nurturing highly skilled talent,” Heo noted. “Our university is ready to serve as a central hub for AI talent development, and the government also appears keen on building unified models through regional base universities.”

A virtual image of Kyungpook National University's multipurpose complex for corporate residency, startup, joint research and cultural exchange. The complex is set for completion in 2027. Courtesy of Kyungpook National University

Alongside its push for cultivating expertise in AI and other cutting-edge fields, Kyungpook National University is also moving to nurture “settlement-type” professionals — students, both domestic and international, who not only gain a world-class education but also choose to remain in the region after graduating to support local industries and communities.

The initiative, launched in partnership with regional governments and the education ministry’s RISE project — a program designed to strengthen regional universities and foster local innovation — aims to counter pressing challenges such as population decline in the provinces.

As population decline accelerates amid the concentration of people and resources in the metropolitan area, local governments are under growing pressure to find solutions. Regional universities share the concern, and both sides are joining forces to keep students from leaving after graduation, seeking ways to create conditions that encourage graduates to build their futures in the region.

“The university’s strong academic and research resources will be connected with local industries and governments to create a collaborative education model,” Heo said. “This will allow students to take part in on-site projects that address real-world challenges while developing practical, field-ready skills.”

To support this vision, Kyungpook National University is rolling out industry-focused curricula in advanced manufacturing, health care, energy and digital transformation, while broadening multidisciplinary programs. The university will also offer scholarships and research opportunities in partnership with local companies to give students stronger incentives to remain in the region.

At the same time, its entrepreneurship center and startup support units will expand incubation programs, linking graduates to the local business ecosystem.

“The university’s goal is not just to produce specialists,” Heo said. “By integrating education, research, industry collaboration and campus life, we aim to nurture settlement-oriented talent — people who contribute to their communities and choose to stay, driving regional innovation and development.”

Kyungpook National University signs a memorandum of understanding with 15 Korean education centers in Japan during a ceremony in Fukuoka to strengthen cooperation in attracting Japanese students, May 10. Courtesy of KNU

To expand its presence on the global stage, the university is actively promoting international exchanges through joint degree programs with leading universities overseas.

The university currently offers two-plus-two dual degree programs with three U.S. institutions, including the University of Texas at Dallas, three Chinese universities and Christ University in India. Under the program, students spend two years at Kyungpook National University and two years abroad, earning degrees from both institutions.

In addition, it became the first Korean university to introduce a three-plus-one dual degree program, partnering with 13 prestigious European universities across nine countries. The list includes Northumbria University in the U.K., the University of Warsaw in Poland, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in Italy and ICN Business School in France.

“European students have been steadily coming to our university to study and earn degrees, making the exchange truly reciprocal and meaningful,” Heo said.

He added that enhancing the competitiveness of regional national universities is critical.

“Just as the government aims to create ‘10 Seoul National Universities,’ it is vital for regional national universities to strengthen their competitiveness, as this will drive balanced national development,” he said.

Graphic by Bae So-young