Introduction In the Republic of Korea (ROK), human resource development has driven economic growth, with tertiary education significantly contributing to technology-intensive innovation and industry transformation since the 1960s. Recognizing the need for a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, the government has advanced green development strategies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and invest in low-carbon activities. The government is also supporting vulnerable groups and regions, acknowledging the decline of carbon-intensive industries and the rise of green industries, which will change occupational and skills demands. In this context, higher education institutions must advance in three key areas: Updating curricula to offer more green-focused courses and degree programs. Conducting research and development (R&D) on new technologies to address climate change. Collaborating with the private sector to commercialize green innovation, including incubating green-tech start-ups. Adapted from a brief published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this article outlines the initiatives the ROK is undertaking to leverage the tertiary education sector in the fight against climate change and achieve an inclusive green transition. Figure 1: Impact Pathway of University Education for Green Transition Source: Author. Interdisciplinary and Convergence in Curriculum To facilitate the transition to a green economy, universities must train students in complex, converging subjects. Many developed nations have expanded their interdisciplinary green science and technology programs. The Ministry of Environment in ROK operates the Specialized Graduate School for Climate Change Program, funding 17 universities since 2016. For instance, the program supports Kyung Hee University's Department of Convergence Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), to nurture research talent and generate world-class research. The Ministry of Science and ICT has initiated a Climate Technology Researcher Training program. Selected campuses design an interdisciplinary master’s program on climate technology development, where students work with mentors, professors, and commercial experts on R&D activities for 18 months. The Ministry of Education supports the Innovative Convergence University Project, which started in 2021. This project enables students to pursue education in high-tech fields by removing barriers between universities. Participating universities create a consortium for joint curriculum and course development. Students can access lectures and laboratories across these universities. Green transformation requires companies to change their products and services. In manufacturing, companies can develop a green-tech workforce for green technologies and products. High-tech companies, such as LG and Samsung, cooperate with universities to run professional R&D programs. Companies face a severe shortage of green-tech talent, constraining their ability to expand green product sales. Cooperative tertiary education programs can help. For example, in 2021, LG Energy Solution and Yonsei University launched collaborative master’s and doctoral programs on secondary batteries. LG provides scholarships, living expenses, and internships to develop work-ready graduates and address labor shortages. Research Capacity on Green Technology Through R&D activities, tertiary institutions advance green technology and its commercialization. The government has identified 100 core technologies to achieve carbon neutrality, including heat pumps, green steelmaking with hydrogen, and zero-energy buildings using renewable energy. In January 2022, the Ministry of Science and ICT named the Korea Institute of Energy Research as the Climate Technology Policy Support Center and the National Institute of Green Technology as the Climate Technology Cooperation Policy Support Center. Some universities are designated as national research centers, forming a platform for developing technologies. Collaboration among universities, research institutes, local governments, and businesses has strengthened support to green industry. Companies provide financial support, expert consultations, and joint research, securing high-quality human capital in return. Seoul National University and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), in collaboration with the Carbon Neutral Green Growth Committee, organized a forum to develop carbon-neutral technology and cultivate experts in this field. Samsung Electronics has an organization-wide center for industry-academia cooperation, providing facilities for university research and supporting patent applications for collaborative projects. Samsung Electronics and Korea University have established a collaborative eco-friendly e-research center to research sustainable household appliance technologies. Hyundai Motor Group, in collaboration with five universities, including the Korea Institute of Energy Technology and Hanyang University, has created the Carbon Neutral Joint Research Laboratory. This lab investigates technologies to capture carbon and convert it into energy resources and valuable materials. Commercialization and Green-Tech Start-Ups Incubation The government will invest $107 billion in public–private partnerships by 2030 as part of its strategy for fostering the climate tech industry. This aims to create 10 climate tech unicorn companies and generate 100,000 jobs. A specialized fund for high-tech manufacturing and emerging technologies will be established, along with a strategy to encourage $153 million in private funding for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, including impact investing and corporate venture capital. Figure 2: Tech Holding Company by University Source: Author. Green-tech innovations and their commercialization are essential for green transformation and carbon neutrality. Korean universities have extended their role from technology inventors to technology and start-up incubators. In the past 15 years, many universities have launched technology-holding companies to commercialize patents. These companies create business partnerships, linking the education system with markets. The government supports these efforts by providing matching funds to boost private investor engagement. KAIST recently partnered with Hana Financial Group to develop and commercialize climate technologies. KAIST Holdings, a new technology holding company, and Hana Financial Group will establish a research institute specializing in artificial photosynthesis technologies. Hana's focus on ESG-related investment supports KAIST’s innovation capacity and the commercialization of green-impact technologies. KAIST will use Hana’s expertise to evaluate the financial viability of new green investment technologies. More universities have established Climate Tech Centers to foster climate-tech start-ups. They collaborate with venture capital investors and offer programs in climate-tech entrepreneurial education, consulting, risk assessments, and forums to support climate-tech enterprise. Regional Green Growth Strategies The green transition poses an economic threat to regions where traditional gray and brown industries are being phased out. Local governments are implementing green development schemes to mitigate these risks and maximize green economy growth. Local human resource development is a core element of these schemes. Cities develop action plans where universities integrate green-tech at local campuses and supply a green-tech workforce to local industry. Based on these plans, local authorities receive central government subsidies and mobilize private investment to build capacity for green research and business development. Conclusion The experience of ROK suggests three ways that developing countries can leverage the tertiary education sector to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Universities can function as providers of education, skilled human resources, and leaders in technological advancement through their R&D activities. Educational and research cooperation programs between universities and companies can be leveraged to help develop technologies for specific companies. Universities can serve as incubators for nascent enterprises, facilitating preliminary verification and nurturing start-ups. They can strengthen their incubation systems through technology-holding companies and other mechanisms to commercialize technologies. Universities can also collaborate with municipal and regional governments to develop and implement strategies for expanding the green economy locally. They are key institutions in regional innovation ecosystems. Resource Asian Development Bank. 2023. The Role of Tertiary Education for Green Transition: Initiatives in the Republic of Korea. Ask the Experts Paul Vandenberg Principal Economist, Economic Analysis and Operations Support Division, Economic Research and Development Impact Department, Asian Development Bank Paul is fascinated by the process of economic development and how some countries are rich and others remain poor. His specific research interests include industrialization, human capital development, enterprise finance, and the labor market. He taught in the United Kingdom and India before joining ADB in 2010. For two years he was seconded to ADB Institute in Tokyo and later took temporary leave to teach in Thailand. His doctorate is from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Meekyung Shin Former Education Specialist, Human and Social Development Sector Office, Sectors Group, Asian Development Bank Meekyung Shin specializes in the innovation and internationalization of higher education and teacher professional development. Before joining ADB, she worked in the higher education divisions of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea as a director or deputy director for various units, including university student affairs, graduate programs (including law and medicine), and university scholarships and loans. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Education and master’s degree in Education Administration from Seoul National University. Asian Development Bank (ADB) The Asian Development Bank is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region. Its main instruments for helping its developing member countries are policy dialogue, loans, equity investments, guarantees, grants, and technical assistance. Follow Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Leave your question or comment in the section below: View the discussion thread.