A recent survey has revealed that the adoption rate of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management among businesses in the Jeonbuk region is significantly lower than the national average. According to a survey conducted by the Jeonbuk Chamber of Commerce & Industry Council, involving 288 companies in the province, only 21.9% have implemented ESG management.

By industry, manufacturing showed the highest adoption rate at 38.5%, while construction (8.7%) and distribution (11.5%) sectors lagged significantly. By company size, large and medium-sized enterprises showed a high adoption rate of 87.5%, whereas small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recorded a mere 11.3%, indicating a substantial disparity based on scale.

The primary reasons cited by companies for not adopting ESG management included financial burden (23.4%), lack of stakeholder demand (21.5%), insufficient management awareness (18.8%), lack of understanding of ESG concepts (18.5%), and perceived lack of business necessity (17.8%).

Regarding policy support for the expansion of ESG management, suggestions included support for education and consulting costs (22.9%), enhanced tax incentives (21.8%), provision of industry-specific guidelines (20.1%), support for infrastructure and system costs (19.9%), and the establishment of dedicated support institutions (15.3%).

Kim Jeong-tae, Chairman of the Jeonbuk Chamber of Commerce & Industry Council, emphasized, "With the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism coming into effect and major domestic companies strengthening ESG standards, along with investors increasingly focusing on ESG investments, ESG management is no longer an option but a necessity. Urgent awareness improvement among regional businesses and active support from policymakers are crucial for the adoption of ESG management."

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