Korea University EEC Concludes Successful Healthcare Innovation Study Tour with Russia’s SKOLKOVO 

The SKOLKOVO Pharma Management & Innovation Study Tour, hosted by the Executive Education Center (EEC) of Korea University Business School, took place over two days, on Monday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 29. The program was organized for participants from the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO — one of Korea University’s partner institutions — to provide insights into Korea’s healthcare industry and its innovations in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. The delegation comprised 30 executives from SKOLKOVO and the Russian healthcare sector, two faculty members, two interpreters, and two coordinators, totaling 36 participants. 

The first session took place on October 27 in Room 209 of Hyundai Motor Hall at Korea University. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu of Korea University Business School extended a warm welcome to the participants in Russian, which was met with smiles and applause from the audience. All greetings and lectures were conducted in English and interpreted into Russian through both simultaneous and consecutive translation. Most participants wore headsets and listened attentively throughout the program. 

Professor Ji-Woong Chung, who served as the academic director of the program, delivered welcoming remarks and introduced the detailed two-day schedule. He expressed his hope that “the time spent with Korea University would be not only academically enriching but also personally meaningful.” The first day comprised lectures and a hospital tour focusing on practical insights, while the second day featured sessions highlighting innovative cases in pharmaceutical and healthcare management. 

In the first session, Woojin Lee, an attorney at Kim & Chang specializing in pharmaceutical and medical device law, delivered a lecture on the structure and policy characteristics of Korea’s healthcare system. He noted, “Although the quality of Korea’s healthcare exceeds the OECD average, there are still challenges in mental health management and strengthening essential healthcare coverage.” He went on to outline the roles of key institutions such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the National Health Insurance Service, and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, while delving into major issues including the structure of medical expenses, hospital rating systems, the supply of medical personnel, and discussions on introducing telemedicine. Participants listened attentively, taking detailed notes in the provided materials.

The second session featured Hee Hwang, CEO of Kakao Healthcare, who delivered a lecture on “Digital Healthcare Innovation.” Following the session, participants visited Yonsei University Severance Hospital, where Professor Jae-Young Shin presented a special lecture on “Healthcare Innovation and Digital Transformation.” They also toured the Heavy Ion Therapy Center and Digital Data Center, where they observed Korea’s advanced, technology-driven medical infrastructure firsthand and learned about related research and operational systems from hospital staff. Despite language barriers, participants actively asked questions and showed keen interest in Korea’s healthcare innovations. 

On October 29, two additional lectures took place at the same venue. Professor In Joon Noh delivered a lecture titled “Managing Quality and Innovation in Pharmaceutical Firms: Research and Practice,” in which he discussed quality management systems, R&D innovation, and strategies for sustainable growth within the global pharmaceutical industry. He was followed by Professor Jaemin Lee, who delivered a lecture on “A Business Model-based Approach to Innovating Healthcare Businesses: Lessons from Success and Failure.” 

Professor Lee discussed strategies for fostering innovation in healthcare businesses and introduced cases of AI applications, emphasizing that “a good business model begins not with technology, but with a strong value proposition.” Participants actively engaged in exploring key topics such as barriers to healthcare innovation, examples of AI utilization, and the essential components of effective business models. With the support of simultaneous interpretation, a lively Q&A session followed, during which the professors enriched the discussion through case-based explanations and interactive dialogue. 

Following the conclusion of all lectures, participants expressed their gratitude, saying, “Although it was a short program, it offered valuable and in-depth insights into Korea’s healthcare industry,” and thanked the lecturers for their passion and professionalism. They added, “Even though the topics were complex, the instructors made the sessions both accessible and highly informative.” 

The day concluded with a closing ceremony, during which participants received certificates of completion and commemorative gifts in a festive atmosphere. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu personally congratulated each participant, remarking, “Although the program was brief, I hope your experience at Korea University will serve as a foundation for your future career and academic growth.” The ceremony brought the two-day program to a meaningful close, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to contributing as active members of the KUBS global network. 

The program went beyond a simple academic exchange, opening a new chapter of collaboration between Korea and Russia in management education and the healthcare industry. Participants from the Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO shared that they were deeply impressed by Korea University’s educational infrastructure and by experiencing Korea’s innovative medical ecosystem firsthand. Building on the success of this program, the EEC aims to further strengthen its global partnerships and continue expanding its role as a platform for substantive academic and industry collaboration with leading business schools and corporate leaders worldwide. 

Meanwhile, Korea University’s Executive Education Center (EEC) continues to organize Study Tour programs that enable executives from overseas universities, corporations, and institutions to learn about Korea’s latest management strategies and innovation practices through on-site experiences. This year, participants from ESADE, OneMBA, Agrocentro S.A., and the BMI Executive Institute successfully completed their programs, and in November, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is scheduled to visit Korea University for the next session.