South Korean cities are entering a new era of competition. In the past, attracting factories was the key to a city's strength. Later, population and budget size became the determining factors. However, in the age of AI, the criteria are changing. The number of research institutions, the concentration of innovative companies, and the attraction of global talent are now pivotal to a city's future.
Suwon stands at the forefront of this transformation. Home to Samsung Electronics' headquarters and Gwanggyo Techno Valley, as well as Ajou University and Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon's mayor, Lee Jae-jun, who was re-elected in the recent local elections, has declared his intention to make Suwon a 'global advanced science research city.' His vision is to establish a research and innovation city that combines semiconductors, AI, and bio technology, positioning Suwon as the heart of South Korea's future industries.
The question remains: Can Suwon transcend its identity as the city of Samsung Electronics to become South Korea's premier AI advanced science city?
Can research and the future begin in Suwon?
Among Mayor Lee's most notable pledges is the phrase, "Research in Suwon, manufacturing in the provinces." This succinctly captures the direction Suwon aims to take. He has stated his goal to transform Suwon from a production base into a cutting-edge research city focused on research, design, validation, and entrepreneurship. By building a research and development ecosystem centered on semiconductors, AI, and bio technology, he aims to create quality jobs and future industries.
In fact, Suwon already has a solid foundation. Samsung Electronics' research and development teams are concentrated here, and Gwanggyo Techno Valley hosts numerous tech companies. Ajou University and Sungkyunkwan University's natural science campuses serve as key sources of talent. While other regions compete to attract businesses, Suwon already possesses significant research infrastructure.
In the AI era, the importance of research and development is magnified. Securing technology is more crucial than building factories. With the emergence of generative AI, the boundaries between industries are dissolving. Semiconductors, bio technology, robotics, and future vehicles are becoming interconnected within a single ecosystem. This is why Suwon is gaining attention; it is one of the few cities where diverse technologies can converge to foster innovative breakthroughs.
Boston's rise as a global center for the bio industry was not due to the number of factories but rather the collaboration of universities, research institutions, companies, and investors creating an innovation ecosystem. Mayor Lee's vision of a global advanced science research city aligns with the goal of transforming Suwon into a Korean version of Boston.
The Birth of a City Where AI, Semiconductors, and Bio Technology Converge
What are the key industries driving the AI era?
Many point to semiconductors, which is not incorrect, as AI cannot exist without them. However, the future cannot be completed with semiconductors alone. A new industrial revolution will begin when AI is applied to healthcare and bio technology and integrated with robotics and future vehicles.
Reflecting this trend, Mayor Lee has made the establishment of an advanced science research cluster based on AI, semiconductors, and bio technology a central pledge. He aims to focus on developing physical AI, memory and non-memory semiconductors, and the healthcare industry, creating a virtuous cycle of research, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Suwon's strength lies in its already established industrial ecosystem. Samsung Electronics possesses world-class semiconductor research capabilities, and Gwanggyo Techno Valley serves as a hub for startups and venture companies. The combination of bio research and the healthcare industry could generate new growth drivers.
Notably, the AI bio industry is expected to be one of the fastest-growing fields over the next decade. Drug development, precision medicine, and digital healthcare are challenging to advance without AI. This is why major global pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in AI firms.
If Suwon can seize this momentum, it could evolve from a simple semiconductor city into an AI bio innovation city, distinguishing itself from Seoul, Pangyo, and Daejeon.
Can Gwanggyo Techno Valley become South Korea's Silicon Valley?
The competitiveness of a city ultimately stems from its ecosystem.
While a single company can drive a city's growth, sustainable development occurs when numerous companies, research institutions, investors, and talent are interconnected.
Mayor Lee has announced plans to build a massive innovation axis connecting the Free Economic Zone, Tapdong Innovation Valley, Suwon R&D Science Park, North Suwon Techno Valley, and Umyeon Techno Valley.
This is not merely a development project; it is a strategy to ensure that research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization occur within a single ecosystem.
Startup cultivation is particularly crucial. Suwon is known for its strong large corporations but has been criticized for having a weaker startup ecosystem compared to Pangyo. This is why Mayor Lee emphasizes expanding the New Light Fund and supporting entrepreneurship, aiming to encourage young people with technology and ideas to start businesses in Suwon rather than moving to other areas in the metropolitan region.
In the AI era, competition ultimately boils down to talent. Cities that attract top talent will draw in businesses, and cities with businesses will attract investors. For Suwon to become a true advanced science city, it must create an ecosystem where people come together before buildings.
The Competitiveness of an AI City Rests on Quality of Life
Many local governments are discussing the AI industry.
However, a city cannot succeed based solely on industry.
To attract world-class researchers, entrepreneurs, and developers, a city's quality of life must be supported. Education, culture, transportation, and housing must all develop in tandem.
This is also why Mayor Lee has proposed a vision for a global education city. He aims to create an environment where talent and families can settle together by linking the attraction of world-class educational institutions with advanced companies.
In the AI era, a city is not just one with businesses; it is one where talent wants to live.
The reasons Boston, Silicon Valley, and Cambridge have become global innovation cities ultimately come down to people. They have created environments conducive to research, entrepreneurship, and family life.
Suwon stands at a similar crossroads.
More important than attracting a few additional AI companies is creating a city where global talent wants to stay.
Suwon has long been known as the city of Samsung Electronics.
However, in the age of AI, Suwon dreams of being more than that.
Mayor Lee has declared his intention to make Suwon a global advanced science research city. He aims to build an innovation ecosystem that combines AI, semiconductors, and bio technology, creating a city where research, entrepreneurship, and jobs thrive in a virtuous cycle.
If this vision succeeds, Suwon could become not just a satellite city but the center of innovation in South Korea.
In the AI era, the winner may not be the city with the most factories.
The city that attracts the most research institutions, talent, entrepreneurs, and investors is likely to emerge victorious.
So, can Suwon truly become Korea's Boston?
The answer will unfold over the next four years as Mayor Lee shapes the future of Suwon.
Lee Jae-jun, Suwon's mayor, is a politician with a background in urban planning, continuing his role in the 9th term after being re-elected in the 8th. He emphasized a 93.7% pledge fulfillment rate during his re-election campaign, promoting 'Suwon's Great Transformation.' In this election, he presented 'Global Advanced Science Research City Suwon' as a core vision, promising to build a research and innovation city centered on AI, semiconductors, and bio technology.
He has outlined a strategy to connect the Free Economic Zone, R&D Science Park, and Gwanggyo Techno Valley to establish Suwon as South Korea's representative advanced science city.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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