SMEs Ministry to Host 'Regulatory Free Zone Innovation Week'

Awards for Contributors to Special Zone Development
Sharing Outstanding Achievements and Diverse Networking Events

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on November 6 that it will host the "2025 Regulatory Free Zone Innovation Week," an event bringing together local governments and regional special zone officials from across the country, in order to explore policy directions for regulatory innovation in new industries and strengthen cooperation for balanced regional development.

The official brand of the Innovation Week is "Innovation Zone ON," which embodies the intention to spread the achievements of regulatory innovation nationwide through "open cooperation and connection," and to strengthen communication and collaboration among special zone stakeholders.

The Regulatory Free Zone is a representative Korean-style regulatory sandbox system that grants special exemptions for certain regulations within designated areas, allowing new technologies and businesses to be tested. This enables the verification of the safety and business viability of new industries and technologies, and further aims to help companies secure a foothold in domestic and international markets.

Since the introduction of the Regulatory Free Zone system in 2019, 42 zones have been designated nationwide over the past six years, with 25 currently in operation. Through demonstration projects, regulations have been improved for 31 businesses, and 55 regulatory statutes have been revised. Since last year, seven Global Innovation Zones have been designated, enabling companies to pursue global expansion through overseas demonstration and international joint R&D.

In particular, the main event, held from November 6 to 7 at the Daejeon Convention Center, featured a variety of programs, including an introduction to regional special zone policies and an exhibition hall promoting achievements to date. There was also an awards ceremony recognizing those who contributed to revitalizing the regional economy through the Regulatory Free Zones and Regional Specialized Development Zones (40 commendations and 9 awards). In addition, case presentations were given by the top-performing zones: Gongju City in South Chungcheong Province (Chestnut Special Zone) and North Gyeongsang Province (Smart Green Logistics Special Zone).

Lee Guhyun, Director of the Special Zone Innovation Planning Team, stated, "'Innovation Zone ON' will be an opportunity for everyone to share the achievements of regulatory innovation and to create new opportunities for collaboration through 'open connection.' We will continue to work hard to ensure that companies in new industries facing regulatory challenges can stably conduct demonstrations and business in the Regulatory Free Zones, and further contribute to regional innovation and balanced development by creating investment and jobs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.