President Moon: "We Must Open Paths for Competent Women Scientists" (Comprehensive)

Attended the 3rd National Science and Technology Advisory Council Plenary Meeting... "Boldly Entrust to Private Companies" Calls for a Shift in Government Thinking

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 21st, President Moon Jae-in attended the 3rd National Science and Technology Advisory Council plenary meeting and stated that pathways must be opened for capable female scientists.

President Moon emphasized, "To enhance scientific and technological capabilities, we need to increase scientific and technological talent," adding, "In particular, we must open paths for many female scientists who possess outstanding capabilities to participate."

President Moon said, "Due to the nature of the research culture that involves working overnight, we must open ways for female scientists and technologists to balance work and family," and added, "Prompt action is necessary."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon requested related ministries to "make special efforts so that although the number of female scientific and technological personnel is increasing, more can participate overall."

President Moon also elaborated on the statement that "the era of government-led national science and technology capabilities is over." He cited fields such as artificial intelligence, low-carbon technology, carbon capture devices, and hydrogen technology, mentioning the areas and targets where the government’s ‘priming’ role is needed.

President Moon said, "For scientific and technological fields that are still in the early stages and where private R&D capabilities have not yet taken off, the government should play a leading role. However, for many fields that are on par with or even ahead of global standards, we should boldly entrust them to private companies."

Meanwhile, the ‘3rd National Science and Technology Advisory Council plenary meeting’ was held via video conference between the Blue House and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated, "The Science and Technology Advisory Council, a constitutional body, is the highest-level scientific and technological meeting chaired by the President."

Spokesperson Kang explained, "We integrated the ‘deliberation function’ on R&D budget proposals and the ‘advisory function’ on scientific and technological issues and policy directions to strengthen its status and functions, and finally opened the era of R&D worth 100 trillion won."

Spokesperson Kang said, "The total national R&D scale, combining private and government research funds, is a measure of national power and status in the global economy," adding, "Only four countries?the United States, China, Japan, and Germany?have national R&D scales exceeding 100 trillion won. South Korea ranks fifth, followed by France and the United Kingdom."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.