미래가치를 창출하는 글로컬 산학일체 혁신대학
Industry-Integrated Innovation University
By Choi Ji-hun, Cub Reporter, Freshman of Division of Undeclared Majors
HBNU is drawing attention for its industry-integrated innovation university model, which connects education, research, and industry through faculty-led startups. Moving beyond traditional industry-academia cooperation, the model demonstrates how universities can actively contribute to industrial innovation.
In the past, university education was often criticized for placing too much emphasis on theory and lacking connections with real industrial environments. Although internships and field-training programs became more common, many were still limited in helping students develop practical problem-solving skills.
To address these limitations, HBNU has implemented the “industry-integrated model,” in which professors directly participate in startup activities and commercialize research outcomes into real businesses. The university also reflects startup achievements in faculty evaluations, encouraging professors to engage more actively in entrepreneurship and industry-related projects.
The model has already produced visible results. Approximately 12 percent of full-time faculty members are currently involved in startup ventures. Faculty startup clubs and testbed campuses support prototype development and collaboration with companies, while comprehensive support systems for investment, technology transfer, and global expansion have also been established.
A representative example is NANOMATERIALS, a company founded by an HBNU professor that was later listed on the KOSDAQ market. The company manufactures nanomaterials used in LCDs, solar cells, and touchscreens, demonstrating how university research can successfully expand into the industrial sector. Students also gain practical experience through industry-linked projects, capstone design courses, and startup activities.
This model stands out because it integrates education, — the process of creating and managing innovative businesses — and technology commercialization into a single system. It also connects faculty entrepreneurship with student mentoring and startup opportunities, creating a more practical and innovation-driven learning environment.
The industry-integrated innovation university model is particularly meaningful because it helps students develop the practical skills and problem-solving abilities required in real workplaces. As cooperation with local industries continues to expand, growing attention is being paid to whether this model can become a sustainable example of future-oriented university education.