Executive, student, and exchange programs connecting Washington and Seoul
Executive, student, and exchange programs connecting Washington and Seoul
Programs

Executive, student, and exchange programs connecting Washington and Seoul

KMI offers cutting-edge, first-rate executive development seminars, study-abroad and online programs, and a regular lecture series — developed and delivered by KMI faculty and staff.

What we do

Building capability across the U.S.–Korea corridor

KMI designs and delivers programs for executives, students, and scholars — translating research and partnership into practical, first-rate experiences on both sides of the Pacific.

01

Executive Development

Cutting-edge, first-rate executive development seminars and programming with an integrative approach to program design.

02

Study Abroad & Online

Rigorous, academically challenging study-abroad and online programs developed and delivered by KMI faculty and staff.

03

Research & Lecture Platform

A research platform leveraging a strong international network and interdisciplinary agenda, promoted through a regular lecture series.

Our Programs

Current & ongoing offerings

Executive Education

Companies, trade organizations, industry groups

KMI offers open-enrollment management development programs, seminars, and custom-designed programs. The Institute works with individual companies, trade organizations, and other industry groups to develop state-of-the-art programs of current interest.

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KMI Executive Development Cohorts

Senior business leaders and scholars

Throughout the year, KMI brings together distinguished business leaders and scholars to exchange ideas and participate in executive development programs. Cohort offerings — both in D.C. and abroad — are structured to include self-analysis, structured feedback, discussion of case studies, and a group project.

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K Seminar Series

Faculty, students, business leaders, GW community

A lecture series hosted at GWU every other month, where KMI invites a distinguished speaker to campus to talk about current issues in U.S.–Korea relations. The series brings leading Korean scholars and business professionals together with faculty, students, business leaders, and members of the wider GW global community.

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Classes & Workshops

Public and GWU community

KMI offers classes and workshops (both online and in-person) throughout the year that focus on innovative pedagogical approaches enhancing learning and student engagement as it relates to U.S.–South Korea management development practices. Registration is open to the public and the GWU community.

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International Exchange

Students, academicians, business professionals

International exchange programming and courses offered to students, academicians, business professionals, and others who have an interest in U.S.–Korea relations.

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GW October Global Entrepreneurship Conference

Researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, students

The annual GW October Entrepreneurship Conference serves as the main on-campus forum for KMI each year. KMI delegates meet, recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations contributing to U.S.–Korea relations, and integrate Korean scholars, students, and business professionals into the agenda. A key time to promote programming, develop relationships, and reach Korean media outlets.

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Global Korean Entrepreneurship Forum (GKEF)

Scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs, global experts

A biennial forum in Washington, D.C. hosted by the GW School of Business Korean Management Institute with partner institutes at GW, exploring the interplay of research, innovation, and policy in Korean entrepreneurship. Inaugural forum 2017; second 2019; third April 2024.

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What we did

From promise to practice — GKEF 2024

The third Global Korean Entrepreneurship Forum is a flagship example of KMI's work in action: convening experts, scholars, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from the United States, South Korea, and beyond to advance the Korean entrepreneurship agenda.

Global Korean Entrepreneurship Forum
2024 Forum Recap

Global Korean Entrepreneurship Forum

Leading the Global Frontier
April 25 – April 26, 2024 The Elliott School of International Affairs — The State Room, 7th Floor

Third edition — inaugural 2017, second 2019.

3Days
6Key Themes
13Keynote Speeches
4Photo Galleries
Introduction

The third Global Korean Entrepreneurship Forum convened April 25–26 in the heart of Washington, D.C., hosted by the GW School of Business Korean Management Institute (KMI) in partnership with the GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The forum revolved around the pivotal role of research, innovation, and policy in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems — bringing together experts, scholars, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from the United States, South Korea, and worldwide to explore the dynamic landscape of Korean entrepreneurship.

Venue
The Elliott School of International Affairs — The State Room, 7th Floor
1957 E St NW, Washington, DC 20052
ID required to enter premises.
Open in Google Maps
Theme Overview

Six key themes

South Korea has emerged as a global innovation hub in recent years, showcasing remarkable technological advancements, startups, and entrepreneurship. This forum explores the multifaceted aspects that have propelled Korean entrepreneurship onto the global stage, emphasizing the critical interplay between research, innovation, and policy.

01

Research and Entrepreneurship

High-quality research forms the bedrock of any thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The conference explored the latest research trends in Korean entrepreneurship, offering insights into innovative business models, market trends, and emerging opportunities.

02

Innovation Ecosystems

South Korea's innovation-driven economy has been shaped by its robust ecosystems. Discussions revolved around fostering innovation hubs, cultivating a culture of creativity, and examining how collaboration between startups, corporations, and academia can amplify innovation.

03

Policy for Progress

Government policies are pivotal in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. The conference provided a platform for policymakers to discuss strategies, regulations, and incentives that encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and sustainable growth.

04

Global Perspectives

Korean entrepreneurship has global significance. The forum welcomed international perspectives on how the Korean model can be applied or adapted in different contexts, exploring cross-border collaboration and the role of transnational networks.

05

Startups and Success Stories

A conference highlight showcased Korean startups and success stories. Entrepreneurs shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, inspiring emerging entrepreneurs.

06

Future Trends

The entrepreneurial landscape is continually evolving. Participants delved into emerging trends such as fintech, biotech, and sustainability and how they are reshaping the future of Korean entrepreneurship.

Confirmed Keynote Speeches

Forum program

  1. 01South Korea's challenges and opportunities in the post-covid era
  2. 02The Impact of Humane Entrepreneurship in S. Korea
  3. 03K-Social Entrepreneurship
  4. 04The Role of Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development, with a focus on Korean Entrepreneurship from Jinju
  5. 05Leadership in Counterpoint: A Korean and American Perspective on the Future
  6. 06Korean Entrepreneurship — Exploration of Women Entrepreneurs
  7. 07The Intersection of the Three Avenues — Digital Nomad, Workation, and South Korea's Population Conundrum
  8. 08S. Korea and United States in Science — Past, Present and Future
  9. 09Origin of Korean Entrepreneurship in Jinju City
  10. 10Private and Public Partnerships in Promoting Innovation
  11. 11Entrepreneurship and the Future of Global Energy
  12. 12Korean Women and Entrepreneurial Leadership
  13. 13Korea's Partnership for Africa's Industrialization: Through Knowledge Sharing in Entrepreneurship Development
Leadership

Conference chairs

Guiding this collaborative event are our esteemed Conference Chairs, individuals whose expertise and passion highlight their dedication to shaping the future of Korean entrepreneurship.

KiChan Kim
Conference Chair

KiChan Kim

ICSB Chair of the Board; Professor at the Catholic University, S. Korea; Co-Chair of GKEF

Ayman ElTarabishy
Conference Co-Chair

Ayman ElTarabishy

Executive Director, KMI; Deputy Chair, Department of Management, GWSB; President & CEO, ICSB

President Soon-Ki Kwon
Conference Co-Chair

President Soon-Ki Kwon

Gyeongsang National University

Agenda

Full program — three days

  1. 8:00 – 9:00 AM
    Registration and Networking
    • Welcome and Registration for Participants
  2. 9:00 – 9:30 AM
    Opening Session
    • Welcome Address and Introduction to the Forum
    • Opening Remarks: Minister Choon-goo Kim, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the United States; Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, Executive Director, KMI; President Soon-Ki Kwon, Gyeongsang National University; Mayor Cho Kyu-il, Mayor of Jinju City (via video); and Dr. Kichan Kim, Professor at the Catholic University, S. Korea, Co-Chair, GKEF.
  3. 9:30 – 10:30 AM
    Plenary Session 1 — Welcome Remarks from the GW Institute of Korean Studies (GWIKS)
    • Jisoo M. Kim, Co-Director of the East Asia National Resource Center
    • Keynote Address by Gregg A. Brazinsky, Co-Director of the East Asia National Resource Center — "South Korea's Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-Covid Era"
  4. 10:30 – 11:00 AM
    Book Signing Coffee Break and Networking
  5. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Fireside Chat — The State of the Republic of Korea and the United States in Business, Policy, and Academia
    • Session Chair: Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy
    • Presenter: Esperanza Gomez Jelalian, Executive Director, Asia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
    • Panelists: Winslow Sargeant; Joon Oh; KiChan Kim; President Soon-ki Kwon; John Choi
  6. 12:00 – 12:10 PM
    Welcome Remarks by Dean Vanessa Perry, GWSB Dean
  7. 12:10 – 12:45 PM
    Lunch Break (Elliott School State Room)
  8. 12:45 PM
    End of Morning GW KMI Forum Session
  9. 1:30 – 5:30 PM
    Global Sessions held by ICSB
    • Meet at the U.S. Congress Security Entrance — Longworth House Office, 15 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20515. (Transportation on your own due to high-security measures; buses not permitted.)
    • Keynote Presentations by Global Experts (see official printed program).
  10. 5:30 – 7:00 PM
    Reception
Voices of the Forum

Featured speakers

Select any speaker to read their biography. 30 speakers from across the United States, South Korea, and beyond.

Custom Programs

Design a program with KMI

For custom-designed programs for your company or trade organization, partner with KMI to translate research and partnership into a first-rate executive, student, or exchange experience.

Contact KMI