This study discusses strategic directions to build a creative innovation cluster in Daejeon that created synergy by overcoming the conflicting concepts such as the technological exploration and exploitation in the region. The case study analyzes the two innovation clusters in Daejeon. One is the International Science Business Belt as an infrastructure for technological exploration and the other is the Daedeok Innopolis as an infrastructure for technological exploitation and it sets the strategic directions to build a creative innovation cluster in Daejeon. The initiatives proposed are: first, to establish a vision for scientific technology policies in new regions and a connection between the International Science Business Belt and Daedeok Innopolis to facilitate and enhance the cluster’s competencies; second, to establish a support system to provide an organic connection between the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) of the International Science Business Belt and the Daedeok Innopolis for their headquarters and research centers; and third, to establish a science business program to connect scientific achievements and the Daedeok Innopolis commercialization program.

exploration and exploitation, International Science Business Belt, Daedeok Innopolis, innovation cluster.