1on1 rozhovor - ako si digitalizujú priemysel v Južnej Kórei

The Korean city of Changwon is a living laboratory for Smart Industry – places where industry, universities, and the state meet in practice. The Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency, in cooperation with the Korea Development Institute, examined how the digitalization of manufacturing works there and what we can bring home. The findings show that the key is not just technology, but foresight, collaboration, and an emphasis on real-world deployment.

Changwon: an industrial ecosystem from A to Z

Changwon is home to the oldest industrial complex in South Korea, with approximately 3 000 manufacturing companies and roughly 120 thousand workers. Production here focuses on the automotive industry, electronics, defense, the aviation and space sectors, and energy. Well-known Korean brands have major plants here, and around them extends a long chain of subcontractors. It all arose in the '70s on a “greenfield,” but today it is a sophisticated network with a clear vision.

A ring of support has been built around the factories: testing centers, R&D facilities, training centers, and satellite university facilities located directly at the companies. Universities thus don’t have to wait for firms to come to them – they go to industry and innovate alongside it. These services are operated by the state or the region, which lowers barriers to entry and accelerates the adoption of new solutions. The result is an environment where production and development go hand in hand.

Plan, action, and sharing of experience

Koreans are masters of planning, and Changwon has its own “master plan” under the Smart Industry banner. What matters, though, is that it doesn’t stop at words – action, pilots, and measurement of results follow. Companies not only purchase technologies but also meaningfully integrate them into processes. By quickly testing and scaling solutions, they move forward without unnecessary delays.

Another strength is a culture of sharing: companies exchange experiences, often in communities of second-generation leaders of family businesses. Collaboration doesn’t mean weakening competition, but faster learning and fewer dead ends. The motivation to stay a step or two ahead is reinforced by the proximity of technologically strong economies, from Japan to China and the ASEAN countries. In such an environment, it is essential to innovate continuously, not occasionally.

Lessons for Slovakia: schools, talent, and a digital state

Universities in Korea function as open, neutral ground where the state, business, and research meet. They are not a closed bubble – they push their activities closer to companies and become an equal partner in innovation. Project management reflects this as well, linking education with practice and government support. In Slovakia we are ahead in some respects, for example in dual education when done well – good examples can be seen, for instance, in Košice.

Changwon also highlights challenges: how to keep young people outside the capital, which is a big topic in Korea. A healthier work–life balance is also gradually taking hold, especially among the younger generation, which is changing how work is organized. Among inspirations for public administration, the practical use of artificial intelligence stands out – for example in tax administration and in other institutions, where it increases efficiency. The takeaway is: build ecosystems around industry, plan for the long term, and translate strategies into measurable steps.

1on1 interview - Digitalization of the industry in Korean style

Changwon: an industrial ecosystem from A to Z

Plan, action, and sharing of experience

Lessons for Slovakia: schools, talent, and a digital state

Michal Műhl

1on1 interview - Digitalization of the industry in Korean style

Changwon: an industrial ecosystem from A to Z

Plan, action, and sharing of experience

Lessons for Slovakia: schools, talent, and a digital state

Michal Műhl

Páčil sa ti článok? Zdieľaj ho a povedz o ňom aj ostatným