Daejeon Delegation to Strengthen Science and Technology Ties in Spain

Daejeon City has dispatched a delegation, led by Deputy Mayor Choi Seong-ah, to Malaga, Spain, beginning February 22nd, 2026, to participate in the 2nd General Assembly of the Global Innopolis Network Initiative (GINI) and related events. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between science and technology cities worldwide.

Mission Objectives

The delegation’s trip is focused on attending the 2nd GINI General Assembly, alongside participation in Transphere, a leading European technology transfer exhibition, and events at the World Association of Local Governments conference. Daejeon City intends to solidify the GINI network, founded in September of the previous year, and move from initial declarations of cooperation to concrete business ventures .

Delegation Composition

Approximately 40 representatives are included in the delegation, encompassing members from Daejeon City government, government-funded research institutions – including the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, the Korea Institute of Nanotechnology, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute – local universities such as KAIST, Chungnam National University, and Hanbat National University, and promising companies seeking European market access.

Key Events and Agenda

The delegation’s schedule includes several key events:

• 3rd World Innovation Cities Forum (February 24th): A platform for discussing innovation strategies.
• Joint Forum (Hanbat National University & University of Malaga): Collaboration between the two universities.
• Artificial Intelligence Seminar (Chungnam National University): Focused on advancements in AI.
• Research and Development Session: A session for scientists and engineers to share insights.
• Investment Attraction Strategy Sharing Session: Discussions on regional investment strategies.
• GINI High-Level Representative Meeting (February 25th): Discussions regarding the organization’s future direction, including the election of a new chairman and the selection of a secretariat location.

Expanding Global Partnerships

Following the events in Malaga, Deputy Mayor Choi will travel to Barcelona to attend the World Federation of Local Governments’ Presidential Meeting. This will further strengthen Daejeon’s global city diplomatic network and explore opportunities for broader international cooperation.

Daejeon’s Vision for European Collaboration

Deputy Mayor Choi Seong-ah stated that the trip represents an opportunity to showcase Daejeon’s technological capabilities and infrastructure to Europe, with the goal of establishing a foothold for local companies and research institutions in the European market .

About Daejeon

Daejeon, South Korea’s fifth-largest city with a population of approximately 1.47 million as of 2023, is a prominent technology and research hub . The city is also a major transportation hub, known for its railway connections and proximity to Seoul.