The University of Sussex Business School, through its globally renowned Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Secretariat of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, marking the beginning of a significant academic and institutional partnership.

The agreement was formalised during a ceremony held at the Business School, attended by senior representatives from both institutions, including Mr Kyoungwon Kim, Deputy Director-General at the National Assembly and Parliamentary Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in London.

Under the MoU, the two institutions will collaborate on knowledge exchange, joint research, and academic programmes in areas of mutual interest, particularly science, technology, and innovation policy. A key feature of the partnership is the Visiting Fellowship Programme, which will enable senior officials from the National Assembly or its affiliated institutions to undertake research at Sussex for up to two years.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Kyoungwon Kim, Deputy Director-General at the National Assembly of Korea and Parliamentary Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in London, said:

“The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea’s decision to conclude an MOU with the University of Sussex, which is our first agreement with a research institution in the United Kingdom, reflects our intention to accompany and support the University in recognition of its achievements to date and its strong potential for future growth. We look forward to the collaboration that lies ahead.”

Dr Xiaoxiang Zhang, Associate Dean - Global and Civic Engagement, commented:

“This partnership reflects SPRU’s global reputation and commitment to fostering international collaboration on critical policy issues. We are honoured to be the National Assembly’s first UK partner.”

Dr Youngha Chang, Associate Professor in Innovation Management, SPRU, added:

“This partnership opens an important pathway for deeper knowledge exchange between the UK and Korea. It will broaden our research horizons and enhance global conversations on science, technology, and innovation policy.”

The National Assembly of Korea currently maintains partnerships with leading institutions in the US and Europe, including RAND and CSIS. Sussex now joins this distinguished network as the Assembly’s preferred UK collaborator.

The signing provided a valuable networking opportunity to strengthen institutional ties and to explore future UK–Korea initiatives that will advance research and policy dialogue, while also supporting education, particularly through the training of senior Korean officials and students currently studying at SPRU.