- 건국대학교

	Dutch Students Conduct Research at Konkuk for Living Labs
	관리자		1847		2017.06.09

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For five weeks during May and June, four Dutch students from Windesheim University of Applied Sciences visited Konkuk University to conduct research on ‘smart aging’ in Korea as part of a Living Lab project. Developed by EP-Nuffic, a non-profit organization supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, Living Labs are bilateral initiatives among higher education institutions, businesses, and governments in various countries that focus on employability and innovative capacity. Through practice-oriented Living Labs, faculty, researchers, and students apply their expertise to address real-life challenges.
Among the four students who visited Konkuk, Lars Hopman studies gerontology and conducted methodological research on the exchanges between different generations in Korea. Meanwhile, Hannah Geerlings, Britt Juffer, and Dewi Breukelman, who major in social work at Windesheim, are interested in the social, technological, and policy aspects. During the five weeks, they shuttled between Konkuk University and Seoul Innovation Center to learn about institutions supporting the aging population in Korea.
“There are many differences in terms of policy, taxation, and safety nets between the two countries,” said Ms. Juffer who emphasized the need for policies and activities for the aging population. “In the Netherlands, retirees receive financial support and can participate in many activities, but Korea is at the beginning stage.”
“The aging population in both countries experienced war and face challenges from rapidly changing technologies,” said Ms. Geerlings who highlighted the similarities. “Resolving such challenges will help bridge the gap between different generations.”
In their discussions with Konkuk students, the Dutch students were also very impressed with the technological advancements in Korea and how the students kept abreast of latest developments.
“When we had a discussion on developing products for the aging population, Konkuk students were well-versed in design and IT,” said Mr. Hopman. “I believe that the technical knowledge and skills of the younger population and the experiences of the older population can create synergy effects.”
In September 2016, Konkuk University and EP-Nuffic signed an MOU during the Netherlands-Korea Trade Dinner attended by Prime Minister Mark Rutte to collaborate on ‘smart aging’ that will improve the quality of life of senior citizens through the ICT sector. In addition to Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Konkuk University is collaborating with Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, and HKU University of the Arts Utrecht for the Living Lab project. Last March, 30 students from the Fontys University of Applied Sciences and Windesheim University of Applied Sciences had joined the Konkuk professors and students for a workshop on the topic.

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