LG Steps up Research Recruitment: Study abroad and Korea's R&D

In our new book on Digital Development in Korea (Routledge, March 2011), Dr. Oh and I devote an entire chapter to the role of education in this nation's remarkable rise from the ashes of the Korean war.  One portion of that chapter deals with the role of study abroad   Today the Joongang Daily carried an article that further underscores some of the points made in our chapter.  As shown in the accompanying graphic (click to see a full size version) the LG Group is stepping up its research recruitment in the United States, and specifically in Silicon Valley.  It sponsored a four-day event called Techno Conference in San Jose, attended by 20 technology executives at LG Electronics, in an effort to promote the company among engineers.  Around 150 Korean students and engineers participated, including those pursuing masters and doctoral degrees at prestigious U.S. universities (such as nearby Stanford U.), along with those working at major IT companies.  About 100 signed up for on-site interviews.
Techno Conference is only the latest in a series of efforts LG has been pursuing to strengthen its R&D capabilities. Late last month, LG Electronics announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with 13 major universities in Korea, including Seoul National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kaist) and Pohang University of Science and Technology.