"South Korea is already showing prominence in the fields of biotechnology and advanced technology. However, to achieve greater success in the global market, prioritizing patents and technology commercialization is essential."
On the 8th, during a meeting at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, Kim Deok-ho, a professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, and Megan Howie, the associate dean of the Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, identified patents and technology commercialization as challenges that need to be addressed to enhance the competitiveness of South Korean universities. The two professors visited South Korea to attend a Johns Hopkins alumni meeting. They also discussed expanding research collaboration, faculty visits, and student exchange programs while visiting major universities and corporations such as Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH).
Megan Howie noted, "South Korea has impressive research facilities and talent. It was particularly noticeable that South Korean universities are closely collaborating with global corporations," and she evaluated that this visit allowed her to see the research environment and potential in South Korea. Professor Kim Deok-ho also said, "This visit further solidified my belief in the possibility of collaboration with South Korea."
However, both emphasized that there are clear challenges that South Korea must address to strengthen its global competitiveness. Professor Kim Deok-ho stated, "South Korea should move away from a paper-centric research culture and prioritize patents and technology commercialization," adding, "For research achievements to link to industrialization, patents are the most critical first step. However, in South Korea, faculty members' performance evaluations are predominantly influenced by the number of papers and impact factors, often pushing patents and commercialization to the backburner. A transition in this regard is necessary."
Professor Kim cited examples from American universities, explaining, "American universities focus on linking research achievements to patents and commercializing them through industry-academia cooperation offices." He added, "Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) employs over 100 professionals, including patent attorneys, to systematically support patent applications, technology commercialization, and contract negotiations." In contrast, he pointed out that South Korea's industry-academia cooperation offices are relatively lacking in scale and expertise. He further added, "For good research outcomes to lead to commercialization rather than just publications, systems and relevant education that actively support technology commercialization in major research-oriented universities or government grants are needed."
Associate Dean Howie emphasized, "South Korea's research-oriented universities can enhance their competitiveness through more partnerships with global corporations," adding, "If technologies developed at universities enter the global market, it will greatly assist in maintaining the universities' leadership and showcase the genuine value of South Korean universities."
Professor Kim stated that attracting talent is also key to strengthening global competitiveness. Currently, Johns Hopkins University is grappling with similar concerns regarding talent attraction as South Korean universities. With deteriorating relations between the U.S. and China leading to a decrease in Chinese students, efforts are being made to attract students from other countries such as India and South Korea. Associate Dean Howie explained, "The Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering plans to hire an additional 150 faculty members in advanced fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology over the next five years," noting that "as the number of professors increases, attracting excellent students remains an important task."
Professor Kim stated that global networking and international activities of faculty members are essential for attracting overseas talent. He remarked, "Taking leadership roles at international conferences, serving as journal editors, and publicizing research achievements internationally lead to talent attraction." He continued, "While American universities consider these activities important standards during faculty evaluations and tenure reviews, South Korea tends to overlook these relatively," advising that "to enhance global recognition, these should be reflected in faculty evaluations and university assessment criteria."
Associate Dean Howie suggested that short-term exchange programs and research internships could be effective in attracting overseas talent. She stated, "If students experience South Korea's research environment and lifestyle directly through short-term programs ranging from one to two weeks to over six months, they will feel more attracted to South Korean universities and contribute to expanding the global network," adding that "Johns Hopkins is also promoting programs that allow undergraduates, graduate students, and even high school students to gain experience in the U.S."