The government is conducting research and development (R&D) in a two-track approach to secure advanced material technology at an early stage.
The Ministry of Science and ICT noted that on the 19th, under the chairmanship of Acting President Han Duck-soo, a meeting of the 51st State Affairs Ministers' Conference was held to discuss the "advanced materials R&D development strategy." The level of advanced material technology in Korea has been surpassed by China, following the United States and Japan. The decline in advanced material technology is negatively affecting the global supply chain response capability.
The Ministry of Science and ICT has decided to conduct R&D in a two-track approach, categorizing 100 advanced materials and 100 future materials to secure advanced material technology early. Initially, there are plans to identify 100 advanced materials with high supply chain risks and quickly secure core technologies within the next five years. Additionally, they will work to secure core technologies for 100 future materials in preparation for long-term innovation over the next 10 years.
A "advanced material technology growth council" will also be established, involving researchers in the materials field, demand companies, and supply companies, centered on government-funded research institutes. A "core technology growth R&D program for advanced materials" will be promoted to support solving technical difficulties that hinder the growth of advanced material core technologies, such as core technology matching and upgrading, and resolving scale-up technical challenges.
Projects will also be pursued to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) technology into materials research. They will strengthen workforce training in materials research and global research collaboration.
Minister Yoo Sang-im said, "As international competition surrounding science and technology intensifies, the advanced materials sector is a key power source that influences the technological capabilities of major strategic technology areas such as semiconductors and secondary batteries," and added, "Based on this strategy, we will expand investment in core materials technologies, considering both current and future needs, to proactively respond to the global supply chain crisis from a science and technology perspective."