The portion related to investment is not sufficient. I can only mention the realistic aspect that we must have support from human resources and the industrial ecosystem to achieve results, so the ecosystem and the scale of investment cannot be pursued separately.
Lee Chang-yoon, the Vice Minister of Science and ICT, held a pre-briefing on the launch of the Quantum Strategy Committee at the Government Seoul Building on the morning of the 12th, revealing the newly launched Quantum Strategy Committee and the government's quantum science and technology policy. However, the government’s additional investment plans in the quantum science and technology field, which had attracted significant attention, were not announced.
Previously, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it would invest 198 billion won in fostering quantum science and technology and industries this year, a 51.4% increase compared to the previous year. Concerns were raised that while the United States, China, and others are making investments in the trillions, South Korea's investment scale is too small. In response to a question about whether there are plans for additional investments in quantum science and technology through the supplementary budget, the Vice Minister noted, "I know the investment is insufficient, but we are not currently considering adding more budget through the supplementary budget right now."
◇ Quantum control tower 'Quantum Strategy Committee' launched late
The Quantum Strategy Committee is the highest body that decides government-level policies and investments in the quantum field, acting as a public-private joint policy deliberation and decision-making organization. The Prime Minister serves as the Chairperson, with the Minister of Science and ICT as the Vice Chairperson, and the first meeting held that day was presided over by Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance. The committee is composed of a total of 18 members, including 7 heads of government agencies who participate ex officio and 11 appointed private experts.
The Quantum Strategy Committee was supposed to launch at the end of last year but was delayed by about three months due to the martial law and the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The scientific community expressed concern that while the global investment in quantum science and technology is increasing, particularly from the United States and China, South Korea is lagging in its preparations.
In fact, China recently announced its plan to create a fund worth 200 trillion won, focusing on advanced industries such as AI (artificial intelligence), quantum science, and hydrogen batteries. The United Kingdom also disclosed a plan to invest 2.5 billion pounds (approximately 4.7 trillion won) by 2033, while the United States is making significant investments centered on leading corporations in the quantum field, such as Google and IBM.
Experts in the quantum field believe that since the Quantum Strategy Committee launched later than planned, a substantial additional investment plan capable of surviving in the competitive technological hegemony should also be released. However, disappointment grew as the government drew a line on the additional investment plans. A principal researcher at a government-funded research institute studying the quantum field pointed out, "Since the end of last year, innovative technologies related to quantum computing have been pouring out from the United States and China, yet our government continues to repeat only the foundational discussions about fostering basic technologies and human resources."
◇ Fostering quantum component and material industries
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the 'Quantum Initiative Promotion Strategy' that day. The plan includes specific promotion strategies for the Quantum Initiative announced last year. It details plans to develop a 1000-qubit quantum computer, quantum relay-based quantum networks, and GPS-free quantum navigation sensors in cooperation with the private sector, as well as to cultivate specialized talent and establish global quantum technology cooperation hubs.
The Vice Minister particularly emphasized the industrialization of quantum science and technology. Plans are in place to nurture and support the materials, components, and equipment industries necessary for implementing quantum science and technology. The Vice Minister stated, "This is an area where we can leverage our strengths in semiconductor and manufacturing capabilities," and added, "We will increase support for the commercialization of materials, components, and modules needed in the quantum field, such as optical materials, wafers, and measurement and communication equipment."
Experts have advised that government-led investment is necessary to attract participation from large corporations for the industrialization of quantum science and technology. Han Sang-wook, the president of the Korean Quantum Information Society, who also participates as a private commissioner in the Quantum Strategy Committee, stated, "If the government's investments have been focused on basic research, infrastructure, and talent cultivation, it is now necessary to announce additional investment plans that can serve as a catalyst for industrialization," and emphasized, "The government needs to send a message so that large corporations can invest more actively in the quantum field."