The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 23rd that it will hold the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Science and Technology Innovation Policy Partnership (PPSTI) General Assembly from the 24th to the 26th at the Hwabuk Convention Center in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. APEC PPSTI is a policy advisory body that discusses the agenda and cooperation measures for science and technology innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.
About 100 participants, including representatives of APEC member countries from 19 nations such as the United States, Japan, and China, along with experts from the private sector, academia, and international organizations, will attend the meeting.
The theme of the meeting is "Leading inclusive development using human resource bases, open innovation, and emerging technologies." The three key tasks discussed will include expanding the exchange of science and technology talents, enhancing collaboration in research and development through open innovation, and strengthening regional connections by improving the socio-economic utility of emerging technologies.
At the assembly on the 24th, the 'scientist exchange initiative' that Korea has been promoting since last year is expected to be a key topic of discussion. This initiative includes a 'scientist exchange card' that exempts or simplifies visa and entry procedures for qualified regional scientists, an invitation training program, an outstanding youth competition, and a symposium for women scientists.
On the 25th, plans to discuss policy dialogue to strengthen APEC cooperation related to emerging technologies and to award the 'ASPIRE Award' to encourage the achievements of emerging scientists in the region will also be covered. On the final day, the 26th, representatives from APEC member countries will visit Hyundai Motor in Ulsan and the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology.
Hwang Seong-hoon, Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, noted, "The exchange and networking among scientists are key elements of innovation" and added, "We will actively cooperate to strengthen research capabilities in the APEC region and ensure that science and technology can contribute to solving global challenges."