Science, Technology & ICT Newsletter(NO. 97)

Twelve Critical and Emerging Technologies officially confirmed 

- 50 key technologies in 12 fields were selected, encompassing core technologies in the race for technological leadership such as semiconductor, display and secondary battery, and future innovation technologies such as next generation nuclear power and quantum technology. 

On December 20^th (Wed.), the government deliberated and passed "The List of Critical and Emerging Technologies (draft)," officially confirming the selection of "12 Critical and Emerging Technologies." These technologies represent the development goals that South Korea must secure in order to survive and excel in the global competition for technological dominance. 

In October last year, the "1^st General Meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology (PACST)," which was chaired by President Yoon Suk Yeol, selected 12 major fields* with high strategic value from the perspectives of supply chain, creation of new industries, and national security and diplomacy. The government has been intensively focusing on this "Critical and Emerging Technology Project," not only with concentrated investments in the selected fields, but also by establishing the "Mission-Centric Strategic Roadmap." 

* 12 major fields: Semiconductor and display, Secondary battery, Advanced mobility, Next generation nuclear power, Advanced biotechnology, Aerospace and marine technology, Hydrogen, Cybersecurity, Artificial intelligence (AI), Next generation communications, Advanced robotics and manufacturing, and Quantum technology 

In addition, with the enactment and reinforcement of the "Special Act on Fostering Critical and Emerging Technologies," a legal basis for pan-ministerial action has been prepared. Thus, the government advanced the official confirmation of the 12 major fields as Critical and Emerging Technologies, as well as specifying a total of 50 key technologies and their detailed definition, AI semiconductor and synthetic biology for example, to set the central targets of future policies and investments. 

The selected Critical and Emerging Technologies are expected to be formally announced through a ministerial decree by the Minister of Science and ICT. The government plans to adopt various policy measures and implement innovative and challenging research and development (R&D) as stipulated by the Special Act, with the goal of securing super-gap technologies. 

Vice Minister Joo Young Chang for Science, Technology and Innovation stated that, "Securing super-gap strategic technologies is not just about economic growth. It is the center of national survival." He further stated, "South Korea will take a leap into becoming the leading nation in critical and emerging technologies with innovative and challenging R&D that competes for the world's best." 

 

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.  

Please refer to the attached PDF.