“Daegu-Gyeongbuk does not have bright prospects with its existing industries. It’s time to look for new industry paradigms. We need to prepare for the 4th industrial revolution with regional key industries, mainly, the future of the auto-parts industry.”

The forum, ‘Future Automotive Parts Industry Development Plan’ was held on 19 June 2017, in the Hotel Inter Burgo, Daegu. Local leaders and eminent persons attended the forum to discuss the outlook of the auto-parts industry: Chung Hyun-tae(President of Kyungil University), Kim Kwan-yong(Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province), Kwon Young-jin(Mayor of Daegu city), Jang Ho-kyung(Chairman of Daegu Creative Economy Research Network), Kim Byoung-soo(President of Korea Automotive Technology Institute‧KATECH).

The forum was hosted by Kyungil University and conducted by Kyungil University LINC+(Leaders in INdustry-university Cooperation) and the Daegu Creative Economy Research Network together. A heated panel discussion was conducted on the topic of, ‘Future Automotive Parts Industry Development Plans’ along with the presentation, ‘Current status and development strategies of auto-parts industry' by Kim Byoung-soo(President of KATECH)

Chung Hyun-tae, president of Kyungil University, presented his opening statement: We(industry, university, and government) are here to reflect on the future of regional auto-parts industries. And we will focus on developing competence within industry-university cooperation to help alleviate some of the difficulties that local auto-parts companies face. We plan to promote cooperation between university and government(Daegu city and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province) as well.

After the opening statements, Kwon Young-jin(Mayor of Daegu city) said, "There are around 880 auto parts companies in Daegu. And manufacturing auto parts in Daegu has captured 22% of the manufacturing industry, which plays a vital role in the regional industry. We will stimulate the auto parts and foster the industry as a new growth engine."
Kim Byoung-soo(president of KATECH) said, "The 4th industrial revolution involves the fusion of new technologies and new industries. The auto industry should merge other industries to cope with the paradigm shift in industries. In the future, integrating the automobile industry with other industries such as software, electrical and electronics and the ICT industry can create added value. Fostering the industry is expected to be a major step in revitalizing Daegu-Gyeongbuk's sluggish industries and economy.

They have decided to make every effort to stimulate the future auto parts that can be used in electric and autonomous vehicles. Kyungil University has also stated that it will do its best to cultivate qualified professionals. As a result, It has established new curriculum, school system, and majors : automobile and IT convergence, smart car software, electric vehicle, autonomous vehicle, hydrogen fueled car, and etc.