University prepare bid to win Glocal University 30 funding next year

Universities are gearing up for next year's Glocal University 30 project, eyeing multibillion-won government funding.

Members of Namseoul University's task force for the Glocal University 30 project pose for a photo during the task force's launch ceremony at the university's campus on Monday. [NAMSEOUL UNIVERSITY]

Universities are gearing up for next year's Glocal University 30 project, eyeing multibillion-won government funding.

Namseoul University launched a task force on Monday, which will be in charge of mapping out action plans for the project and finding areas where the university can work with local businesses and entities.

The university said it will focus on industry partnerships if selected for the project, offering education in fields that are high in demand by local businesses.

"We will continue to engage in more conversations with the local community and take the demand of businesses into consideration when creating our policies and mid- to long-term plans in order to become a 'Glocal' university," Yoon Seung-yong, the university's president, said.

After 10 universities and coalitions have been selected for this year's Glocal University 30 project in November, more universities are joining the race for next year's edition of the project.

Selected universities and coalitions are each given 100 billion won ($76 million) by the government over the next five years to enhance their competitiveness and quality of education.

The Ministry of Education aims to select another 10 for the same project by 2024 and five more each for 2025 and 2026.

Tongmyong University also held a meeting Monday and announced it will apply for next year's project.

The university's president, Chun Ho-hwan, met with representatives from universities selected for this year's Glocal University 30 project, such as Gyeongsang National University and Sunchon National University, to get advice.

Kwon Soon-ki, president of Gyeongsang National University, said the university plans to use the funding to establish its new College of Space and Aeronautics and Gyeongnam Aerospace & Defense Institute of Science and Technology.

Moon Seung-tae, head of Sunchon National University's external affairs, said its cooperation with the local industry was one of the school's distinguishing qualities that set it apart from other candidates.

"Based on the examples of innovation at universities and those winning this year's Glocal University 30 project, we will create plans for Tongmyong University to also innovate," Chun said. "We will put in all our organization's efforts to be selected for next year's Glocal University 30 project."

Universities that were shortlisted for this year's project but didn't make it to the final selection, such as Soonchunhyang University, Chonnam National University and Handong Global University, also announced they will be trying again next year.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]