The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Oh Young-joo, hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of SMEs and Startups) announced that it is recruiting implementation organizations for the '2025 Regional Specialized Manufacturing Data Activation Project' to promote digital innovation in regional manufacturing companies.
This project aims to support small and medium-sized manufacturing companies to effectively introduce and utilize AI and manufacturing data by integrating manufacturing AI-related physical infrastructure and professional manpower centered on regional manufacturing AI centers. Through this, we plan to accelerate the digital transformation of regional manufacturing companies and create an AI-based manufacturing innovation ecosystem, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the entire manufacturing industry, including not only small and medium-sized manufacturing companies but also solution providers.
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups explained that the main reason for promoting this project is that small and medium-sized enterprises are having difficulties introducing AI, despite the fact that AI technology is emerging as a key element of future industries.
Currently, due to the lack of AI experts and funding constraints, many small and medium-sized enterprises are unable to utilize AI technology. In particular, in order to promote AI utilization and digital transformation of local manufacturing companies, it is necessary to expand AI experts and solution providers to the region. Accordingly, this project was planned to establish regional manufacturing AI centers and establish a support system that can promote the use of AI and manufacturing data.
When selecting implementing agencies, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups plans to give priority to ▲ whether there is differentiated program planning linked to key regional industries, ▲ the possibility of utilizing existing regional physical infrastructure related to AI and manufacturing, and ▲ whether there is establishment of a cooperative system with local governments, universities, research institutes, and solution providers.
This will enable customized manufacturing AI support that reflects regional characteristics and strengths.
A total of three implementing agencies will be selected for this project, and implementing agencies can participate in the form of a consortium comprised of local governments, regional manufacturing innovation-related specialized agencies, universities and research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations.
The selected implementing agency will be responsible for establishing and operating a manufacturing AI center, securing and distributing AI solutions suited to the characteristics of regional manufacturing companies, and discovering and disseminating cases of excellence.
The scale of business support is up to 12 billion won (approximately 31 months) per manufacturing AI center, of which up to 50% is supported by national funds. The remainder must be procured through matching of local government funds and private sector contributions.
Institutions wishing to participate can apply through the Smart Factory Business Management System from April 1 to 14. For more information, please visit the Ministry of SMEs and Startups website or the Smart Factory Business Management System.
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