The government is enhancing the preferential system for regional mid-sized enterprises under the World Class Plus Project to support their technology development and overseas expansion. It plans to provide up to 5 billion won in research and development (R&D) funding for a maximum of four years to regional companies and expand regional briefing sessions to encourage participation in policy projects for mid-sized enterprises.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will hold a briefing on 'Support Policies for Mid-sized Enterprises and Regional Briefing for the World Class Plus Project' on October 19 at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju. About 100 representatives from mid-sized enterprises in Gwangju and Jeonnam, as well as local innovation agencies, are expected to attend.
The ministry organized the briefing to enhance understanding of government support programs for regional mid-sized enterprises and to stimulate applications for the World Class Plus Project next year. This project aims to nurture mid-sized enterprises with high growth potential and promising mid-sized firms into global export companies.
Selected companies will receive not only R&D funding but also support for exports, finance, and consulting necessary for entering overseas markets. Starting this year, a dedicated track for regional mid-sized enterprises has been introduced to increase their participation, with over 60% of selected companies being regional firms.
The support scale has also been differentiated. Regional companies can receive up to 5 billion won in R&D funding over four years, while the limit for companies in the metropolitan area is set at 4 billion won for the same period.
The government plans to expand regional briefing sessions and online briefings starting next year, aiming to further increase the selection ratio of regional companies.
This restructuring of the program is a follow-up to the 'Third Basic Plan for Promoting Growth of Mid-sized Enterprises (2026-2030)' announced by the government earlier this month. The ministry has previously outlined plans to foster anchor-type mid-sized enterprises with independent technological capabilities and restore the growth ladder for companies. Key tasks include securing ten major gap technologies through the 'Decacore Project' and supporting the AI transition of mid-sized enterprises and regional investments.
The ministry plans to hold regional briefing sessions starting in Gwangju and Jeonnam, followed by other economic regions such as the southeastern, central, and Daegu-Gyeongbuk areas, as well as special autonomous regions like Jeju, Gangwon, and Jeonbuk. Additionally, it aims to facilitate easier participation of regional companies in R&D projects and ensure they secure growth foundations through financial and export support after selection.
A ministry official stated, "We will enhance the understanding and utilization of policies so that regional mid-sized enterprises can grow as key players in regional development, and we plan to promote the expansion of participation of regional companies in the World Class Plus Project."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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