[Edaily Reporter Lee So-Hyun ] Naver (NAVER(035420)) has received the highest rating on the Shared Growth Index for the 10th consecutive year, based on initiatives such as early payment to business partners, financial and educational support, and artificial intelligence (AI) support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Naver announced on the 11th that it had earned the “Excellent” rating in the 2025 Shared Growth Index evaluation. According to the company, Naver is the only company in the internet platform industry to have received the Excellent rating for 10 consecutive years since 2016.

The Shared Growth Index is a metric that evaluates a company’s level of shared growth based on the Comprehensive Shared Growth Evaluation by the Shared Growth Committee and the Fair Trade Agreement Compliance Evaluation by the Fair Trade Commission.

Naver pays its partner companies within an average of seven days, including holidays. It also provides support for loan interest rates and consulting fees through its Shared Growth Fund.

This year, Naver launched a new offline training program for partner companies focused on AI utilization. It has also expanded the free consulting services—which it has provided since 2024 to partner companies lacking personnel for personal information protection—to include on-site consultations and training.

Expanding Support to Include AI Adoption by SMEs Support for SMEs

is being broadened to include consulting, training, and AI solutions tailored to each business stage.

Naver expanded “Project Kkot,” which it has operated since 2016, into “Naver Impact” last year. Through this initiative, the company provides consulting services such as “Brand Launcher” and “Store Growth,” while also offering educational and space support via Naver Business School and Naver Square.

Support for AI adoption has also been strengthened. Last year, Naver conducted a campaign targeting 300 Smart Store and Brand Store merchants, linking the AI advertising automation solution “ADVoost Shopping” with the solution trial program “AI RIDE.”

According to Naver, the total transaction volume for businesses participating in the campaign increased by 66%, and the number of purchase conversions rose by 165%.

Chae Seon-ju, Head of External Affairs and ESG Policy at Naver, stated, “Receiving the highest rating for 10 consecutive years is a testament to Naver’s ongoing efforts toward mutually beneficial cooperation to ensure stable business operations for our partners and the growth of SMEs.” She added, “Moving forward, Naver will continue to enhance its existing support programs while expanding support tailored to the diversifying needs of partners and SME operators, including AI training, AX consulting, and the operation of a dedicated recruitment portal for partners.”