High-level visit cements partnership between Birmingham and Ulsan, paving the way for joint innovation in sustainability, technology, and economic growth.
This week, Birmingham had the pleasure of welcoming a senior delegation from Ulsan, Republic of Korea, further strengthening the collaborative spirit underpinning the Innovation Twins initiative. As cities worldwide contend with complex challenges—from climate resilience to digital transformation—Birmingham and Ulsan are proving what’s possible through shared ambition and partnership.
Milestone moments in the Innovation Twins Journey
The visit represented an important step forward in the Birmingham-Ulsan Innovation Twins journey. Led by Kyungsik Lee of the Ulsan Free Economic Zone Authority, the Ulsan delegation included senior representatives from Ulsan Metropolitan City and the Korean Embassy in the UK. Their visit underscored just how vital city-to-city cooperation has become in addressing global issues.
Mr Lee brings a wealth of international experience, with a background spanning Seoul National University, Yale School of Management, and senior posts in Korea’s Ministry of Trade. His expertise in trade, foreign investment, and global economic policy reflects Ulsan’s commitment to outward-looking, innovation-led growth.
Connecting innovation ecosystems
During their stay, delegates explored Birmingham’s innovation landscape, drawing comparisons and identifying synergies with Ulsan’s strengths. Both cities offer complementary assets: Birmingham is recognised for its leadership in smart city technologies, the circular economy, and health innovation, while Ulsan is renowned for industrial ingenuity and advances in the hydrogen economy.
The partnership is focused on several key themes:
DIATOMIC: supporting ambition with action
A highlight of the visit was the role played by DIATOMIC, a pivotal funding mechanism for the Innovation Twins. DIATOMIC has already enabled:
These efforts are turning shared aspirations into tangible outcomes. The latest discussions identified new areas for demonstrator collaboration and advanced plans for pilot projects in clean mobility and hydrogen innovation—initiatives set to launch later this year.
Next steps
The Innovation Twins roadmap sets out an ambitious agenda: scaling up demonstrator projects, deepening academic and industry links, and securing long-term investment. This visit reaffirmed both cities’ commitment to working together and their belief in the power of international partnership.
As the Innovation Twins programme develops, Birmingham and Ulsan are showing that when cities join forces—whatever the distance—they do more than share knowledge. They shape a more sustainable future, together.
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