EU-Korea Research and Innovation Summit was held at the Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation in Centum City, Haeundae, on 31 March 2026. It brought together a dynamic mix of researchers, startups, students, and institutional stakeholders to explore opportunities for EU–Korea cooperation in research and innovation. The event served as both an informative platform and a practical networking space, highlighting the growing importance of Korea’s association to Horizon Europe and the expanding avenues for international collaboration. In particular, the participation of GLOPOL Liaison Officer underscored the EU’s continued commitment to supporting global research mobility and funding access. During the session, Tomasz Wierzbowski delivered a presentation outlining how Korean researchers, academic institutions, and companies can engage with Horizon Europe, with a focus on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and other key instruments designed to foster excellence, mobility, and knowledge exchange.
Beyond institutional presentations, the event stood out as an engaging platform for early-stage innovation, offering startups and PhD students the opportunity to pitch their ideas and connect with potential partners. This bottom-up dimension reflects a broader trend in EU–Korea R&I relations, where increasing emphasis is placed on translating research into market-ready solutions and supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems. The involvement of World African Researchers, Engineers, Entrepreneurs & Scientists Alliance further enriched the discussion by bringing a global and inclusive perspective, particularly in supporting internationally trained talent seeking career pathways. At the same time, the presence of European Chamber of Commerce in Korea contributed to strengthening business–research linkages and expanding networks within the Busan region.
Overall, the EU-Korea Research and Innovation Summit served as a catalyst for advancing the GLOPOL objectives of strengthening global research cooperation, promoting researcher mobility, and enhancing participation in MSCA and Horizon Europe. The strong engagement observed throughout the event indicates a solid foundation for continued collaboration, with a series of targeted follow-up activities expected to further consolidate Korea–EU research and innovation ties.
Find the presentation delivered by Tomasz Wierzbowski, Regional Liaison Officer for Korea, here.
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