Birmingham-Ulsan twinning on industrial symbiosis

International Synergies Chairman Peter Laybourn was delighted to be part of the West Midlands delegation to Ulsan in the Republic of South Korea (RoK) last week. The stimulating week exploring innovation opportunities between the two City regions was supported by Connected Places Catapult and DIATOMIC. ISL’s focus was on the circular economy, particularly industrial symbiosis, and meeting ROK colleagues who are vastly experienced in eco-industrial development (EID).

It was also a chance to meet old friends, including Professor Hung-Suck Park (Distinguished Chair Professor, University of Ulsan and Director, Ulsan Carbon Neutrality Centre), and discuss a programme of collaboration on industrial symbiosis/EID which we hope will not only benefit Ulsan, Birmingham and the West Midlands region but also have wider impact on cities around the world as they grapple with climate change, resource security/scarcity and green growth.

An outline programme of activity is under active discussion including further reciprocal visits leading up to a joint programme output in March 2025 which will include opportunities for further collaboration making the most of these two unique sets of expertise.