Kakao on the 23rd released research findings analyzing the contribution of its data center in Ansan, Gyeonggi, to the local community and the national economy through the Kakao Policy and Industry Research Brunch.
Kakao Data Center Ansan, completed in 2023, is Kakao's first self-owned data center and the first in Korea to be located on a university campus. Professors Kim Ji-hwan and Ryu Han-byeol of the Hanyang University ERICA Department of Economics used expense-benefit analysis and input-output analysis methodologies to quantitatively calculate the social and economic benefits generated by building and operating the data center.
According to the study, "Kakao Data Center Ansan" is expected to generate 76.3 billion won in direct benefits over 40 years of operation, 2.059 trillion won in production inducement effects, 908.4 billion won in value-added inducement effects, and indirect benefits of 8,941 job inducements.
Of the total 76.3 billion won in direct benefits, partnerships with local universities accounted for 41.2 billion won, and local cooperation activities accounted for 35.1 billion won.
For the benefits of partnering with local universities: ▲ 29.9 billion won from educational cooperation with Hanyang University ERICA ▲ 8.6 billion won from research and development (R&D) cooperation ▲ 2.7 billion won from the industry-academia internship program operated by Kakao Enterprise were reflected.
In local cooperation: ▲ 29.0 billion won to support digital transformation of Ansan-area corporations ▲ 5.7 billion won in sponsorship and participation in local projects ▲ 400 million won in support for vulnerable groups were estimated to be created.
Baek Dong-hyeon, vice president of Hanyang University ERICA Campus, said, "Centered on data centers, the essential infrastructure for the stable operation of artificial intelligence (AI), Kakao and Hanyang University are making joint efforts that can contribute to society."
He added, "This study includes results that summarize part of the efforts made to date and is an important resource to review the 'knowledge-industry-academia' co-prosperity governance model that will continue."