Global alliances behind KMI
The organizations — founding partners, research collaborators, academic affiliates, and program co-hosts — that make the Washington–Seoul work possible.
Hyundai Mobis
Founding PartnerThe recent shifts in the global auto industry call upon companies, individuals, and countries to take on new challenges and drive innovation. Steering the winds of change, MOBIS strives to become the leader in future automotive technology, developing cutting-edge technologies and securing self-reliance using core proprietary technology. They seek to enhance the technological competitiveness of eco-friendly core parts to lead the global marketplace. Management philosophy: realize the dreams of mankind by creating a new future through ingenious thinking and unfailingly challenging new frontiers. Innovation for Humanity, Mobility for Tomorrow — Boundless Responsibility, Realizing Potential, Embodying Humanity (Hyundai Motor Group).
Visit website ↗International Council for Small Business (ICSB)
Strategic PartnerThe oldest and largest non-profit organization devoted to advancing small business research and practices. A coalition of more than 23 knowledge hubs represented in over 150 countries. ICSB facilitated the founding of KMI and co-convenes the Global Korean Entrepreneurship Forum. Additional context (source: aymaneltarabishy.com, 2026): ICSB has made its home at the George Washington University School of Business since 2002. Under Dr. El Tarabishy's leadership, ICSB partners with the OECD on the SME World Forum and co-created the Human-Centered Entrepreneurship framework with Ki-Chan Kim — including the 2026 HCE Index (43 economies), launched at the UN MSMEs Day Forum with the Republic of Korea as lead sponsor. The 71st ICSB World Congress convened at GW in 2026, honored by a U.S. Congressional Proclamation.
Visit website ↗GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Program PartnerThe George Washington University's Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship co-hosted the 2024 Global Korean Entrepreneurship Forum with KMI.
Visit website ↗GW Institute for Korean Studies (GWIKS)
Academic PartnerThe GW Institute for Korean Studies, housed in the Elliott School, co-directs the East Asia National Resource Center and partnered on GKEF 2024.
Visit website ↗Korea International Trade Association (KITA) — DC Office
Strategic PartnerKITA's Washington D.C. office co-hosted GKEF 2024 panels on building communication leadership for Korean companies in D.C.
Visit website ↗FleishmanHillard
Media PartnerGlobal communications firm; FleishmanHillard Korea and FleishmanHillard Washington D.C. co-hosted the GKEF 2024 communication leadership panel.
Visit website ↗Gyeongsang National University
Academic PartnerSouth Korean university partner; its President delivered GKEF 2024 opening remarks.
Visit website ↗Jinju City
Program PartnerCity government partner; the Mayor delivered GKEF 2024 opening remarks (via video). A recurring subject of KMI research on the origin of Korean entrepreneurship. Additional context (source: aymaneltarabishy.com, 2026): Jinju City is the proposed birthplace of Korean entrepreneurship — home of the K-Entrepreneurship Movement and the Human-Centered Entrepreneurship Movement. KMI/ICSB research on the origin of Korean entrepreneurship (Jo Shik, Joseon dynasty) is centered on Jinju. The city conferred honorary citizenship on Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy for his contributions to Korean Entrepreneurship (K-Entrepreneurship), and hosts the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Center. Official designation (source: 'Origin of Korean Entrepreneurship', JSBM 62(2), 2024): In 2018 Jinju was designated the 'Capital of K-Entrepreneurship' by the Korean Association of Small Business Studies (KASBA). The 2024 JSBM article 'Origin of Korean Entrepreneurship' (El Tarabishy, Oh, Jo & Kim) proposes Jinju as a birthplace of Korean entrepreneurship, with co-author Kyoo-il Jo serving as Mayor of Jinju City. The Mayor issued an official Welcome Letter to ICSB endorsing this research.
Visit website ↗Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the United States
Strategic PartnerThe Embassy's Charge d'Affaires delivered GKEF 2024 opening remarks.
Visit website ↗U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Program PartnerThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Asia office participated in the GKEF 2024 fireside chat on the state of U.S.–Korea business, policy, and academia.
Visit website ↗Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Republic of Korea)
Program PartnerA ministry of the Republic of Korea, established in July 2017. Featured in the 2021 Innovation Business Conference on Innovation and Trajectory Optimization. Additional context (source: aymaneltarabishy.com, 2023): South Korea introduced the Social Enterprise Promotion Act in 2007, fostering social ventures in job creation, healthcare, the environment, poverty reduction, and education, supported by infrastructure such as K-Startup, Spark Labs, and Google for Startups Korea.
Visit website ↗