Hyundai E&C announced on the 4th that it has recruited Kim Jae-young, who has served as a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Seoul National University for 29 years, as the new head of the Technology Research Institute.
New Technology Research Institute head Kim Jae-young graduated from the Department of Civil Engineering (Urban Engineering major) at Seoul National University and obtained a master's degree from the same graduate school. After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he has served as a professor at Seoul National University since 1996. His main research areas include resource circulation, circular economy, climate crisis, and smart cities, and he is recognized as the top domestic expert in innovative achievements in the fields of waste resource energy conversion, greenhouse gas inventory, and biogas.
Hyundai E&C believes that the recruitment of the new Technology Research Institute head will further strengthen its future capabilities and contribute to establishing an industry-academia-research innovation ecosystem. It is particularly noted that his extensive technical understanding and utilization of domestic and international networks gained through roles such as vice president of the Korean Society of Civil Engineers, president of the Korean Society of Waste Resource Recycling, head of the Next Generation Convergence Technology Research Institute, and vice president of research at Seoul National University will be advantageous.
A representative of Hyundai E&C emphasized that, with the recruitment of a construction expert, it will secure key technologies for future projects and accelerate the sustainable growth of the construction industry.
A representative of Hyundai E&C noted, "In a situation where challenges are widespread due to paradigm shifts in the construction industry, such as digital technology and energy transition, this appointment demonstrates Hyundai E&C's strong commitment to innovation," adding that as demands for clean energy, low-carbon and eco-friendly infrastructure, and smart construction technologies continue to rise, the new head's organizational management strategy will play a critical role in driving Hyundai E&C's future growth.
The Technology Research Institute of Hyundai E&C is divided into four divisions: the 'Fundamental Technology Research Room,' which leads the improvement of constructability of core products and the advancement of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC); the 'Smart Construction Research Room,' which studies construction automation and big data; the 'Future Business Research Room,' which focuses on securing new growth engines such as biogas and hydrogen; and the 'Research Planning Room,' which is responsible for new technology strategies and new business development.
It is equipped with specialized research facilities such as the Green Smart Innovation Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, H Silent Lab, and Robotics Lab, playing a role as an outpost for commercializing key technologies of Hyundai E&C.