From Vision to Action: Advancing the Vision of a Creative and Innovative University Contributing to the Prosperity of Humanity

Faculty, Staff, Students, the Educational Foundation, and Alumni Unite Behind YU’s Future Development

Innovation Proven by Results, Sustained Through Action—QS Ranking Surge Reflects Continued Growth

Strengthening Institutional Innovation Through AI- and AX-Driven Transformation, IR Strategy, and Medical Center Development Plan

[June 29, 2026]

YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held the Future Action Days for Y-INNOVATION 2030, reaffirming its commitment to implementing the University's long-term development strategy.

 The event was held to share the expanded edition of Y-INNOVATION 2030, an updated and enhanced version of YU's long-term development plan based on the University's vision—"A Creative and Innovative University Contributing to the Prosperity of Humanity"—which was proclaimed during YU's 75th anniversary celebration in 2022. It also served to unite the University community around a shared commitment to putting the vision into action. 

The gathering reviewed the achievements of YU's innovation initiatives since the 2022 vision declaration while reaffirming the University's determination to translate its vision and development strategies into concrete actions by all members of the YU community and to accelerate innovation for the future.

 Held on June 25 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall of the Cheonma Art Center, the event was attended by HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation; YU President CHOI Oe-chool; KIM Yong-dae, President of the YU Medical Center; LEE Dong-hyung, Chair of the Faculty Council; PARK Young-bong, Chair of the Staff Labor Union; SHIM Chang-seop, President of the Student Council; and other key members of the University community, who reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the implementation of the University's development plan. Senior representatives of the YU General Alumni Association, including Senior Vice President KOH Dong-hyeon, Vice President DO Soo-hoe, and Vice President JOO Dae-jung, also attended to express their support for the University's continued development and commitment to its future vision.

 The program featured: ▲the unveiling of a video introducing the University's vision and development plan, ▲the presentation of the expanded Y-INNOVATION 2030 plan, ▲the announcement of the YU Medical Center Development Plan, ▲presentations on the University's AI vision and strategy and Institutional Research (IR) strategy, including a live demonstration, and ▲a joint pledge ceremony committing participants to implementing the development plan. Throughout the event, YU emphasized its commitment to maintaining consistency in institutional policies while strengthening execution through AI- and AX (AI Transformation)-driven innovation and an Institutional Research (IR) system for continuous performance management.

 The message shared throughout the event was clear: YU's development strategy must move beyond declaration to execution grounded in innovation, and mutual trust, shared understanding, and collaboration among University members constitute the foundation of institutional competitiveness. Through the event, YU reaffirmed its development plan with members of the University community while declaring its determination to further strengthen collaboration among the Educational Foundation, the University, the Medical Center, and the General Alumni Association. Building on this commitment, YU plans to accelerate implementation of its development initiatives while fostering a culture in which all members actively participate in realizing the University's vision.

 The event also carried special significance as a continuation of the 2022 Vision Declaration Ceremony. At that time, YU presented its new vision along with development strategies in five key areas—educational innovation, industry-academia research, social contribution, globalization, and sustainable management—outlining its roadmap for future growth. Four years later, the University has moved beyond simply sharing its vision, demonstrating through tangible achievements that its innovation strategy is producing measurable results and entering a new phase centered on execution.

 YU has indeed maintained strong momentum in recent global university rankings and external funding achievements. In the recently released QS World University Rankings 2027, YU ranked No. 1 among comprehensive private universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area (26th in Korea and 791–800 globally), climbing more than 100 places worldwide compared with the previous year. The results indicate that the University's educational and research innovation and globalization strategy have earned meaningful recognition by international standards. In addition, in the WURI (World University Rankings for Innovation) 2026, announced in May, YU ranked No. 3 globally in Student Mobility and Openness and No. 4 in Visionary Leadership. Notably, the University's Visionary Leadership ranking has steadily improved over the past three years, reaching the world's top tier and demonstrating international recognition of YU's innovation leadership in consistently sharing and implementing its institutional vision.

 YU has also achieved remarkable success in securing external financial support. According to the 2025 University Finance Information System statistics, the University secured a total of KRW 107.4 billion in external funding—including central government grants, local government support, and funding from other organizations—ranking No. 1 among private general universities nationwide. This achievement represents more than financial success; it reflects the high level of confidence that governments and external organizations place in YU's innovation capacity and long-term sustainability.

 These accomplishments are not the result of chance but rather the outcome of the University's consistent implementation of its innovation initiatives and development strategies since the 2022 vision declaration. YU has established a virtuous cycle in which its institutional vision and philosophy inspire the understanding and participation of faculty, staff, and students, leading to educational innovation, stronger research competitiveness, internationalization, improved student outcomes, enhanced public trust, and greater recognition in global evaluations.

 Delivering congratulatory remarks on behalf of JUNG Tae-il, President of the YU General Alumni Association, Senior Vice President KOH Dong-hyeon said, "Today's event provides a meaningful opportunity for members of the YU community to share the University's vision and development plan while reaffirming their commitment to putting them into practice. As we enter the era of AI-driven transformation, YU's pursuit of future innovation based on a sustainable development strategy represents an important step toward becoming a globally recognized prestigious university." He continued, "I recently learned with great pride that YU achieved outstanding results in major global university rankings and ranked first nationwide in external government funding disclosures. These accomplishments are the valuable result of the dedication of every member of the University community. Representing our 300,000 alumni, I assure you that we will continue to provide unwavering support and cooperation as a trusted partner to ensure the successful realization of YU's vision and development plan."

<From left: YU President CHOI Oe-chool, HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, and KOH Dong-hyeon, Senior Vice President of the YU General Alumni Association>

 Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation said, "The vision and development plan shared by YU are not merely declarations but a clear direction and mission for the University's future. Through AI- and IR-based implementation strategies, we must ensure that these plans move beyond statements of intent and become a virtuous cycle of concrete action and measurable results." She added, "The Educational Foundation will continue to serve as a strong foundation by providing full support so that these efforts, built upon the understanding and participation of the University community, lead to meaningful achievements and enable YU to make bold strides toward the future."

 In his commitment address, President CHOI Oe-chool said, "YU has recently strengthened its global standing through remarkable advances in prestigious international university rankings, including the QS World University Rankings and the WURI. These achievements have been made possible by the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and all members of the University community, who have worked together to realize YU's vision." He continued, "Rather than becoming complacent with our accomplishments, YU will seize the era of AI-driven transformation as an opportunity for a new leap forward, further strengthening our education, research, and global competitiveness. The rapid advancement of AI is fundamentally reshaping the higher education environment and redefining how universities survive and thrive. AI-driven industrial transformation will also lead to a paradigm shift in higher education, moving from an academic pedigree-based hierarchy toward one centered on competence and capability." President CHOI concluded, "The future of YU depends on the collective commitment of not only our faculty, staff, and students, but also the Educational Foundation and the General Alumni Association. Together, we will combine the strength of the entire YU community to realize our vision of becoming a Creative and Innovative University Contributing to the Prosperity of Humanity and achieve even greater progress. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation and all those who have provided their guidance and support, enabling YU to respond proactively to the challenges facing higher education."