Korea Polytechnic University: Prestige in Industrial Technology

Korea Polytechnic University (KPU) was established in 1998 as an engineering university specialized in industrial-academic cooperation, and to play a leading role in promoting technological innovation of companies located in the west coast region encompassing the Sihwa. Banwol and Namdong industrial complexes in Gyeonggi Province.

KPU consists of ten departments and two graduate schools offering master's and doctoral degrees and research courses, encompassing approximately 6,000 students and 383 faculty members (105 full-time, 186 part-time members, two invited and 90 adjunct). Results are coming in: our graduates have achieved employment of 100% every year for the three years since our university was opened. Job offers far exceed our number of graduates. Companies prefer KPU graduates because we offer an "industrial-academic monolithic education " model. When President Roh Moo-Hyun paid an exceptional visit to KPU on June 24, 2003, he instructed related Ministries and Organizations to spread the KPU models of engineering education nationwide. This is another example of the good reputation KPU enjoys at home and abroad.

KPU is the "hub university for industrial-academic cooperation". First, KPU operates a "customized curriculum for prospective customers" reflecting the results of a survey on demand of industrial businesses

through reorganization of curricula. KPU operates a specialized majoring program geared to demand for technology available on the jobsite through a "full guidance professor system", and operates an intern curriculum and training. In the research sector, KPU supports industrial businesses in developing breakthrough technology through the "family company system", linking KPU with approximately 1,300 companies. Our newest research instruments, materials and our institutes are available 24 hours to local companies. This is why KPU has such a good reputation with them. Vision2007: KPU building the greater future of industrial technology

and technological science of Korea and the world, and to maintain and improve ties between the academy and the general public. The NAEK has currently 555 members selected by their peers from academia, industry and government institutes, comprising prominent engineering faculty members and CEOs of the major industries and research institutes in Korea. The NAEK, as one of the 26 members of the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS), actively interacts with other sisterly academies in the world including the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in the US.

Highlights among the major activities carried out by the NAEK are the following:

■ The NAEK consults on major national policy related to Research an Development of emerging technologies, to strengthen national competitiveness and to enhance the quality of life in the 21^s1 century.

■ The NAEK publishes a series of books on engineering and technology' to improve public appreciation of engineers and public awareness of the importance of engineering and technology. In addition, it offers a collective view on government policy, to provide clear-cut proposals to national leaders and public officers in local and central governments, regarding all aspects of industrial technology, engineering education and engineering as a way of life.

■ The NAEK has been successfully conducting the following regular meetings:

- CEO forum: a monthly gathering to discuss contemporary issues in engineering and technology. The invited speakers are the leaders of various sectors including Ministers and chairmen of relevant organizations.

- CEO breakfast meeting: a monthly meeting to exchange business information and share experiences.

- NAEK Roundtable Meeting: a bimonthly meeting for in-depth
discussion on the current hot issues, including technically qualified
judges.

■ The NAEK carries out various research projects aiming for concrete results for the development of engineering and technology-cooperating with universities, industries and government-supported institutions.

■ The NAEK continues to strengthen mutually beneficial relationship with other engineering academies through CAETS annual meetings.

joint symposia among Academies and especially with CAE (The Chinese Academy of Engineering) and EAJ (The Engineering Academy of Japan) through the annual Round Table Meeting and the task-force activities for joint projects.