Gyeongil University's RISE AGORA project team signs MOU to boost small businesses and traditional markets

The RISE AGORA project team at Gyeongil University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Small Enterprise and Market Service on June 26 at the Gyeongju Dream Center to build a framework for regional cooperation and talent development.

The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Hyeon-seok, head of the Small Enterprise and Market Service's Daegu-North Gyeongsang Province regional headquarters, along with other officials, Tae Won-chan, chairman of the Gyeongsan Public Market merchants association, and U Sang-gwon, chairman of the Gyeongsan Jungangnno shopping street merchants association.

From Gyeongil University, corporate support center director U Dong-gyeong and ACE project team director Kim So-young attended and discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate across several areas, including AI-driven revitalization of local commercial districts, strengthening the competitiveness of traditional markets, building a talent development framework for regional growth, providing advisory and mentoring support for employment and startup education programs, and expanding market access for small business owners.

"Universities must go beyond being simple educational institutions and become innovation partners that grow alongside local industries," said Kim Hyeon-u, head of the RISE project division. "We will work closely with relevant organizations to help solve the various challenges facing local small business owners and build a sustainable model for regional cooperation."