Seoul National University retains its position as South Korea's leading Academic Medical Center (AMC) brand for the second consecutive year, demonstrating an enhanced position, according to the Brand Finance AMC 250 2024 report released on February 30.
The study, which measures perceptions of AMC brands globally, confirms Seoul National University's strength with an increased Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 72.2 out of 100, a notable improvement of 4.7 points. This advance propels the university 16 places higher in the global rankings, securing 31st place. Contributing to this achievement is a substantial KRW 30 billion donation from media brand Naver in July 2023, the largest single donation ever received for the brand's research efforts in the field of digital biology. This underscores the brand's excellence in the attribute "Affiliated with other leading organizations," among other commendable achievements.
At the same time, ASAN Health Network makes a significant debut in the rankings, securing 41st place globally with a remarkable 11.9 point increase in its BSI score to 69.7 out of 100. With the second largest score improvement among all brands surveyed, ASAN Health Network excelled in attributes such as "Promotion" and "Leading the fight against diseases in its specialty". The announcement of its collaboration with UAE-based private investment group Scope Investments to establish Dubai's first integrated hospital specializing in gastroenterology further solidifies its position.
Global Results
Globally, Mayo Clinic Health System maintains its position as the strongest AMC brand for the second consecutive year, achieving a BSI score of 86.9 out of 100. Mayo Clinic's leadership in integrating advanced technologies, including robotics, digital imaging and AI, into healthcare services is cited by 44% of healthcare professionals. This innovation-driven approach is helping to strengthen Mayo Clinic's brand, as evidenced by its increased BSI score.
Hugo Hensley, Valuation Director of Brand Finance, highlights the central role of technological advances in the healthcare sector. In a dynamic landscape marked by the prominence of AI and telemedicine, staying at the forefront of transformative trends is critical. Innovations in these high-profile categories not only garner global attention, but also emerge as key attributes that influence a hospital's overall reputation.
While U.S.-based AMC brands continue to dominate with 7 of the top 10 spots, it is noteworthy that 5 of the 6 leading regional brands outside the U.S. improved their BSI scores in 2024 compared to the previous year. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) secures the 3rd position and SGH ranks 4th among the strongest global AMC brands, reflecting the global recognition of these institutions.
An interesting trend highlighted in this year's rankings is the lasting impact of newsworthy medical breakthroughs. Groote Schuur in Cape Town, famous for performing the first heart transplant nearly 60 years ago, ranks fifth in the world for the attribute "known for scientific breakthroughs". Similarly, France's Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, which pioneered the first heart transplant in Europe, ranks fourth for the same attribute.
The full Brand Finance AMC 250 2024 report, which assesses brand strength through metrics that evaluate marketing investment, stakeholder value and business performance, is available for further insight into the global AMC environment.
