Gyeongsang National University Launches "Rication" Initiative to Address South Coast Issues

A Combined Model of Research and Workation
12 Projects Selected, Expected to Strengthen Marine Industry Competitiveness

The College of Marine Science at Gyeongsang National University is set to actively promote a new collaborative model called "Rication," aimed at addressing key issues in the South Gyeongsang coastal region and strengthening the competitiveness of the marine industry.

According to the College of Marine Science at Gyeongsang National University, a "Rication" Memorandum of Understanding ceremony was held at the Marine and Fisheries Future Education Institute on April 29. The university announced that it is working to establish a government-industry-academia-research collaboration system. The event was attended by over 30 participants, including Dean Moon Seongju, project leaders, and representatives from participating organizations such as Tongyeong City.

"Rication" is a concept that combines research and workation. It is a research-based regional innovation model that goes beyond simple residency programs, enabling participants to stay in the local community, identify issues on-site, and develop solutions.

[Photo by Gyeongsang National University] Group photo at the 'Lyceation' Business Agreement Ceremony at the Marine and Fisheries Future Education Institute

This program, which is being implemented as part of the Regional Innovation System of Higher Education (RISE) project, identified assignments with high local relevance and feasibility through an open call in April. A total of 12 projects were ultimately selected.

During the ceremony, participants discussed a variety of topics, including current issues in the marine and fisheries sectors along the South Gyeongsang coast, revitalization of marine tourism, responses to population decline, urban regeneration, and environmental challenges. They also agreed to establish an implementation system based on a consultative body involving local governments, universities, industry, and research institutes.

Each project will be carried out with a focus on this collaborative council, and participating organizations plan to generate effective results through joint field-based research and workation activities.

Dean Moon Seongju stated, "Rication is a practical cooperative model that directly identifies and addresses issues in the fisheries and marine tourism sectors of the South Gyeongsang coast. We will actively support the selected projects so they can contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of local industries and achieving sustainable development."

Meanwhile, the Marine and Fisheries Future Education Institute at the College of Marine Science is operating various programs to promote regional research specialization and enhance competitiveness in the marine, fisheries, and marine tourism sectors based on the RISE project. Through the Rication initiative, the institute aims to establish a sustainable regional innovation model.

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