Korea Display Industry Association (KDIA) on the 18th held the "display innovation talent development strategy meeting" at the grand ballroom of the Korea Federation of Textile Industries in Gangnam District, Seoul. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technolog (KIAT) and organized by KDIA, the event was held for the first time this year to share education and research outcomes accumulated through government-supported programs and to strengthen the foundation for industry-academia-research collaboration.
About 250 people, including researchers and students from universities, research institutes, and corporations, attended the event, where the achievements of young researchers and talent who will lead the future competitiveness of the display industry were shared. The outcomes of training talent to lead next-generation display technologies and future strategies were also discussed.
Specifically, outcomes were presented on training specialized personnel in the specialized graduate schools supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and in the fields of organic light-emitting (OLED) and inorganic light-emitting (Micro LED). Major outcomes of the Display Academy program, launched this summer, were also covered. KDIA said, "Through practical training reflecting on-site demand and industry-academia linked research led by industry-academia projects, specialized personnel in next-generation process, device, and materials-components-equipment are being systematically trained," adding, "Graduate school-centered advanced education and industry-linked projects appear to be contributing to technological advancement and to resolving talent mismatches."
Display Academy was launched to expand the foundation for supplying talent that meets industry on-site demand through a full-cycle education system encompassing prospective job seekers and incumbent workers. It achieved tangible educational outcomes, reaching 124% of the target enrollment (700 people).
At the event, a total of 29 awards were also presented to outstanding talent and contributors who helped advance the display industry. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award (4) was presented, along with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technolog (KIAT) President's Award (4) and the Korea Display Industry Association President's Award (20). In addition, achievements with creativity and technological competitiveness were selected in various institutional sector, including the display idea contest, outstanding outcomes in industry-academia projects, outstanding papers, outstanding academy trainees, and contributors.
Lee Chang-hee, Samsung Display chief technology officer (CTO), in a special lecture that day examined next-generation display technology trends and shifts in the industry paradigm. Lee also emphasized the importance of mid- to long-term technology and workforce strategies to secure overwhelming competitiveness.
Lee Seung-woo, Korea Display Industry Association vice chairman, said, "The overwhelming competitiveness of the display industry ultimately comes from people and talent," adding, "We hope this strategy meeting will shed light on the achievements of young researchers and serve as a starting point for the government, industry, and academia to seek directions for nurturing talent together."