UIWANG, South Korea – March 27 – The Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) (President: Sagong Myung) held the “2026 KRRI Partner Company Forum” on March 26 at Haemu Hall of KRRI to address challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies, and to expand cooperation with the industry.This year’s forum was attended by 27 SMEs that are collaborating with KRRI through joint research and other partnerships. KRRI researchers and commercialization experts participated together to discuss practical measures for promoting commercialization, including R&D support for resolving technical challenges faced by SMEs and strategies for entering overseas markets.In the railway sector, 86% of SMEs have fewer than 50 employees, making it difficult for them to invest in R&D for technological innovation. They also face challenges due to limited access to information needed for venturing into overseas markets beyond the limited domestic market.At the forum, KRRI discussed cooperation measures to support companies by providing consulting for issues that can be resolved in the short term, and by linking longer-term challenges to follow-up R&D projects for mid- to long-term solutions.As a government-funded research institute under the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST) (Chairman: Kim Young-sik), KRRI focuses on enhancing R&D outcomes by incorporating industry needs from the planning stage. KRRI also conducts collaborative research through its core research programs to support the innovative growth of SMEs and expands services by providing technologies required by companies through technology transfer.KRRI contributes to resolving technical challenges in the field by supporting technology development, providing access to specialized expertise, and providing access to testing and evaluation equipment through its demand-driven commercialization R&D support program for SMEs and mid-sized companies in the railway sector.KRRI also supports overseas expansion of companies receiving technology transfers. Last year, companies that received technologies such as the “IoT-based Overhead Line Tension Adjustment Monitoring System” and the “Railcar Cabin Air Quality Purification System” successfully entered the Taiwan market, demonstrating tangible outcomes.Through the integrated SME support channel, the “SOS1379 SME Consultation and Support Center,” KRRI provides customized support including shared use of testing equipment, personnel support, and on-site consulting. In July last year, a technical consultation session was held, helping resolve challenges for 50 companies-the highest among government-funded research institutes in the science and technology sector. In particular, the “Development of a Trolley-Type Turnout Track Geometry Measurement System” is a representative case where a technical issue submitted through SOS1379 was linked to a demand-driven R&D support project and successfully led to commercialization.President Sagong Myung of KRRI said, “We will support not only short-term technical challenges faced by SMEs in the railway sector but also their innovative-driven growth built on long-term technological competitiveness,” adding, “We will continue to strengthen customized support systems, including joint research, technology consulting, and expert matching.”Press ContactsSunghyun BaekKorea Railroad Research Institutebaeksh@krri.re.kr+82 31 460 5183

- 30th Anniversary International Seminar Railways and Public Transport Future Driven by Innovative Technologies”Successfully Held -SEOUL, South Korea – March 18 – The Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) (President: Sagong Myung) held an international seminar on March 17 (Tue) at 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Conference Room (Room 401) at COEX, Seoul, under the theme “Railways and Public Transport Future Driven by Innovative Technologies,” in celebration of its 30th anniversary in 2026.The seminar reviewed KRRI’s achievements over the past 30 years and explored the future vision and direction of global railway technologies.The event was attended by Hong Ji-seon, Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Kim Young-sik, Chairman of the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST); and approximately 400 railway experts from Korea and abroad.In the keynote session, Kim Tae-byeong, Director General for Railroads at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, presented the achievements of Korea’s railway technology development and future directions for railway innovation. ZHANG Zhifang, Chairman of the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS), shared insights on global railway technology innovation and the outlook for international cooperation over the next 30 years.The presentations consisted of seven topics across two sessions. Session 1 focused on trends in high-speed rail development and technological directions for speed enhancement, while Session 2 addressed next-generation railway technologies incorporating AI.※ Session 1 Presentations “Spatial Innovation Achieved Through Railways and Its Future” (4 topics)- The Future of High-Speed Rail: Spatial Innovation Through Speed and Sustainability (Presenter: Choi Sung-hoon, Director General of Rail Vehicle Division, KRRI)- Beyond Distance: The Spatial Power of Railway Speed (Presenter: Kim Jong-hak, Research Fellow, Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements)- High-Speed Rail Worldwide: System Evolution and Future Directions (Presenter: Mr. Michele GESUALDI, Senior Advisor for High-Speed Rail, UIC)- Impact of High-Speed Rail in Spatial Planning - the Example of France (Presenter: Mr. Marc Guigon, CEO of MG Consult, Former Director of High-Speed Passenger Department, UIC)Choi Sung-hoon, Director General of Rail Vehicle Division at KRRI, presented how speed enhancement in high-speed rail can transform urban and regional spatial structures and contribute to sustainable transportation, along with KRRI’s R&D status.Kim Jong-hak, Research Fellow at the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, explained how railways influence not only travel time reduction but also connectivity between regions and spatial structures.Michele GESUALDI, Senior Advisor for High-Speed Rail at UIC, introduced the evolution of global high-speed rail systems, key technological changes, and future directions.Marc Guigon, CEO of MG Consult, analyzed the impact of high-speed rail on national and urban spatial planning, focusing on the case of France.※ Session 2 Presentations “AI and the Future of Railways” (3 topics)- AI Transformation (AX) for the Future of Railways and Transportation (Presenter: Kim Hyeon-ki, Director General of AI Transformation (AX) Division for Railroad & Transportation, KRRI)- AI Agents in Railway Planning: Emerging Roles and Future Directions (Presenter: Son Ki-min, Professor, Chung-Ang University)- Development of Intelligent Train Operation Control System Technology for China Railway (Presenter: Mr. ZHANG Miao, Researcher, CARS)Kim Hyeon-ki, Director General of AI Transformation (AX) Division for Railroad & Transportation at KRRI, presented how AI-based digital transformation is reshaping railway and transportation systems and introduced KRRI’s current AI-integrated transportation research.Son Ki-min, Professor at Chung-Ang University, presented methodologies for applying AI in railway planning and operations and discussed its roles and potential applications.ZHANG Miao, Researcher at CARS, introduced the current status and application directions of train operation control system technologies in China.President Sagong Myung of KRRI said, “We hope this seminar will serve as an opportunity to discuss the next 30 years of global railway technology and expand international cooperation,” and added, “We will strive to enhance public mobility convenience and transform land use and spatial connectivity through high-speed rail development, while realizing safer and more convenient future railway transportation through AI technologies.”Press ContactsSunghyun BaekKorea Railroad Research Institutebaeksh@krri.re.kr+82 31 460 5183