The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will establish a public-private collaboration system to facilitate the rapid commercialization of national strategic technologies.
On the morning of the 9th, the Ministry of Science and ICT hosted the 'National Strategic Technology Future Dialogue' at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, attended by representatives from major corporations, universities, and research institutions in the field of national strategic technologies.
Minister Yoo Sang-im participated in the dialogue along with President Yoo Hong-rim of Seoul National University, President Lee Kwang-hyung of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), President Kim Sung-geun of Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), and Director Oh Tae-seok of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning. From the industry, President Koo Ja-kyun of the Korea Industrial Technology Association, Representative Jeong Soo-heon of LG Science Park, Representative Son Jae-il of Hanwha Aerospace, Representative Cheon Jong-sik of CJ Bioscience, and Director Kim Ki-soo of POSCO Holdings' Future Technology Research Institute also attended.
Minister Yoo noted, "The future dialogue was initiated to consolidate the capabilities of industry, academia, and research amidst rapid changes in domestic and international environments," adding, "With the United States' announcement of reciprocal tariffs and the spread of technological competition due to the artificial intelligence transformation, economic and industrial difficulties are becoming a reality, making it imperative to secure technological sovereignty based on national strategic technologies."
The Ministry of Science and ICT plans to discuss ways to nurture talent and improve systems to discover next-generation growth engines centered on national strategic technologies through the future dialogue. The ministry plans to expand next year's budget for national strategic technologies beyond this year's 6.4 trillion won and improve related systems, including tax credits for technologies.
Additionally, to assist in the dissemination and commercialization of national strategic technologies, it announced plans to establish a collaborative research system involving industry, academia, and government, along with a consistent and long-term research and development support system that allows for failures. It also plans to formulate a strategy to attract overseas talent through the 5th basic plan for nurturing and supporting science and technology personnel that is currently being established.
The Ministry of Science and ICT will periodically hold a working committee consisting of institutions participating in the future dialogue and related ministries to discuss regulatory and system improvement measures. Based on this, it aims to hold the 'National Strategic Technology Summit' at the end of September to secure scientific and technological leadership.
Meanwhile, following the future dialogue, a 'National Strategic Technology Certification Ceremony' was held. Since the implementation of the national strategic technology certification system in March 2024, six corporations have received certification so far. At the event, Algenomics, DCT Materials, Peregrine Aerospace, Jincore, RetinaL, and InEZ received their certificates.
Minister Yoo Sang-im stated, "To secure leadership in the increasingly fierce global technological hegemony competition, it is crucial to consolidate the capabilities of both public and private sectors," and added, "We will cultivate the talent needed in the right places and prevent the outflow of excellent talent while creating an ecosystem that attracts the world's best talent, ensuring that outstanding results from national strategic technologies can be commercialized quickly in a virtuous cycle."