S Korea-science strategy

▲ This undated file photo shows a bio lab located in North Chungcheong Province. (Yonhap)

S Korea-science strategy

S. Korea to focus on encouraging R&D in strategic tech sectors in next 5 years

SEOUL, Dec. 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Wednesday that it will give top priority to supporting research and development in mapping out its science and tech policies over the next five years.

The Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology approved the nation's basic science planning for the 2023-2027 period, which will serve as a guideline for the related policies during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Under the five-year scheme, the government will build the innovative R&D system to encourage companies to engage in high-risk projects in the science and tech sector, and the state-led investments will be made based on detailed road maps and deadlines.

Technologies for carbon neutrality and the nation's 12 selected strategic technologies will be first subject to the innovative R&D system, the ministry said.

South Korea has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from the 2018 levels by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The 12 technologies are semiconductors and displays, rechargeable batteries, advanced mobility, next generation nuclear power, advanced biology, aerospace and ocean engineering, hydrogen, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, next generation communications, advanced robotics and quantum technology.

Also, the government will run a public-private cooperative body to let companies participate in the state policymaking processes to encourage the private sector to create the innovative ecosystem in the science and tech sectors.

Consequently, the government said South Korea is expected to rise to 20th place in 2027 in the Better Life Index by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development from 32nd in 2020.

(END)

[Copyright ⓒ K-VIBE. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution are prohibited.]