Korea Health Industry Development Institute Welcomes New Director Ko Sang-baek

The Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) announced the inauguration of its new director, Ko Sang-baek, who took office on the 10th. In his inaugural speech, Ko expressed the heavy responsibility of leading during a time when the biohealth industry is rapidly growing as a key driver of national future growth. He outlined four key strategic initiatives aimed at elevating the institute to a globally leading entity in biohealth innovation.

Firstly, he plans to strengthen the establishment of comprehensive support policies for the biohealth industry, encompassing R&D, industrial development, talent cultivation, and global expansion, thereby solidifying the institute's role as a national biohealth innovation policy platform.

Secondly, the focus will shift to strategically nurturing the medical AI and digital health industry, making use of medical data to create an AI-driven bio-digital health innovation ecosystem.

Thirdly, Ko aims to enhance commercialization of R&D outcomes and support global market entry through securing core technologies such as new drug development and providing holistic technology commercialization support.

Lastly, he intends to advance collaboration among industry, academia, research, and medical institutions, fostering local clusters and supporting balanced national development through specialized bioindustry cultivation.

Internally, Ko intends to create an open organizational culture based on servant leadership that prioritizes listening and supporting. He also aims to establish collaborative networks with other ministries and external expert groups to enhance the institute's policy stature.

Ko brings over 20 years of experience as a professor at Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, where he has served as the head of the Future Medical Industry-University Cooperation Team, the Director of Medical Science Research, and the President of the Korean Society of Digital Health. He has developed expertise across the spectrum of health care and health industry policies, contributing to the National Bio-Innovation Committee and various prestigious academic institutions.