KAMIC News

Based on an excellent R&D foundation and leading companies with clusters of national and private research facilities, the goal is to achieve technological innovation and create a new drug pipeline, including developing two blockbuster drugs by 2032. Gangwon (Chuncheon-Hongcheon) aims to establish itself as a hub for ‘AI-based new drug development and small-to-medium contract development and manufacturing (CDMO).’ By linking and expanding bio infrastructure like the AI Healthcare Global Innovation Zone, antibody industry, and digital healthcare with surrounding areas, they plan to advance the bio industry.

Jeonnam (Hwasun) aims to build a stable vaccine production and immune therapy industry ecosystem by creating an ‘R&D-(non)clinical-vaccine manufacturing ecosystem’ based on existing infrastructures like the Hwasun Vaccine Industry Zone.

Gyeongbuk (Andong-Pohang) plans to secure ‘bio-vaccine global competitiveness’ based on infrastructures like the Andong Bio-Life National Advanced Industrial Complex and the technological capabilities of institutions like POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology).

The government anticipates leading companies to invest 36.3 trillion KRW in these five National Advanced Strategic Industry bioindustry districts by 2040.

The designation of these districts under the National Advanced Strategic Industry Special Act does not involve creating new physical complexes but rather bundling planned or existing industrial areas as clusters to provide various support measures. Previously, the government designated seven areas as National Advanced Strategic Industry complexes in July last year, including Yongin-Pyeongtaek and Gumi (semiconductors), Cheongju, Pohang, Saemangeum, and Ulsan (secondary batteries), and Cheonan-Asan (displays). This time, they have added bioindustry districts.

In these designated districts, preliminary feasibility studies can be waived, and a timeout system for permits will be introduced, meaning permits are considered granted 60 days after a fast-track decision by the Advanced Industry Committee. Additionally, for companies with advanced strategic technologies like semiconductors, the floor area ratio can be increased by up to 1.4 times within the specialized districts.

The government stated, “Although our country has secured the world’s second-largest biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity based on large-scale private investment, overall competitiveness in technology development and the manufacturing ecosystem is still lacking. By designating specialized districts in the bio sector, we aim to secure a super-gap in bio technology and industry, considering it as the ‘second semiconductor’ and a future economic growth driver.”