PNU-RR University Technology Center was established at Pusan National University in February 2008, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, the world’s leading power system manufacturer, for key technology development and joint research in the aviation, marine, shipbuilding, and energy sectors. The Center was established based on a joint research project for the development of “Ultra-Efficient, Ultra-Light Heat Exchangers” that was conducted between Pusan National University, the city of Busan, Rolls-Royce, and certain businesses based in Busan, beginning in 2006. The establishment of the Center is extremely meaningful, as it is the first technological research center to be established by Rolls-Royce in Asia. Prior to this, the company had established most of its research centers in Europe. The Center will play a central role in the research activities of Rolls-Royce in Asia. It will work on the design of heat exchangers, and conduct multiple studies in diverse phases, including experiments and the development of manufacturing technology. In addition, Donghwa Entec, a Busan-based ship parts manufacturer, will exclusively produce next-generation heat exchangers based on the technology developed at the Center, and supply them to Rolls-Royce. It is expected that this exclusive deal will have enormous spin-off effects on related industries. Rolls-Royce will use the next-generation heat exchangers in the airplanes, ships, and energy products that it produces. The Center is supporting the development of domestic tech experts, and it is expected to drive economic development in Busan and the growth of the parts and materials industries. Rolls-Royce is also engaging in HR exchanges with Pusan National University, by giving students opportunities for internships in the UK.

Rolls-Royce operates globally in four areas of business. These are private aviation and aerospace, aviation and aerospace for national defense, marine and ships, and energy. Rolls-Royce has a broad customer base, including more than 600 airlines, 4,000 aviation and helicopter service providers, the military forces of 160 nations, and more than 2,000 marine companies, including the naval forces of 70 nations

Rolls-Royce has operated in Korea for more than 40 years, and supplies over 500 engines to over 300 airplanes operated by private aviation service providers, government agencies, the Korean army, navy, and air force. It also supplies products to Korean and Japanese shipbuilders through its marine equipment plant in Busan, which has more than 90 employees.

Rolls-Royce concluded a joint research agreement with Pusan National University in January of 2006, when it initiated the development of “ultra-efficient, ultra-light next-generation heat exchangers” with Pusan National University and the city of Busan. In November of 2006, the company entered into an MOU for the development of a technology for next-generation heat exchangers for efficient and eco-friendly gas turbines, and the development of a prototype, with Donghwa Entec, as part of its efforts for joint research.