13 Trillion Invested Over 10 Years in Nanotechnology Research... Annual Sales to Increase to 200 Trillion

National Science and Technology Advisory Council Confirms 5th Comprehensive Nanotechnology Development Plan on the 30th

3D proof image of platinum nanoparticles. Photo by IBS Nanoparticle Research Division [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The government has unveiled a concrete roadmap for innovation in nanotechnology.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Presidential Advisory Council on National Science and Technology held a deliberation meeting on the 30th and finalized the 5th Comprehensive Nanotechnology Development Plan, which includes investing 13 trillion won over the next 10 years to raise nanoscience and technology to 93% of the level of advanced countries, securing 20 world-class core technologies, and aiming for an annual sales target of 200 trillion won in nano-convergence products.

Based on the Nanotechnology Development Promotion Act enacted in 2001, the government has been establishing comprehensive plans every five years to promote technology development and industrial revitalization. According to the government, Korea's nanotechnology currently ranks 4th in the world due to investments made over the past 20 years. The technology gap with the leading country, the United States, has narrowed from about 25% in 2001 to 85.7% in 2019.

Through this plan, the government presented the vision of "Global Future-Leading Nano 2030," aiming to become a genuine global nanotechnology powerhouse based on the nanotechnology capabilities accumulated over 20 years. The plan pursues four major strategies and 14 key tasks: global leading research, strengthening industrial competitiveness, advancing nano-fab infrastructure, and establishing an innovation foundation.

Specifically, to improve the level of nanoscience and technology, 100 "Future Technology Research Labs" will be selected and supported by 2025. To respond to the global supply chain restructuring caused by Japan's semiconductor export restrictions and the US-China trade war, the National Core Materials Research Group will be expanded to 100 teams. To strengthen the competitiveness of the nano-convergence industry, initiatives include proactively securing core commercialization technologies, implementing programs to support the commercialization of excellent research outcomes in the public sector, supporting performance and safety evaluations of nano-products for SMEs to respond to global regulations, operating customized integrated information systems for companies, and creating nano-convergence clusters utilizing regional industrial complexes.

With increasing demand for fab services in semiconductors and materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang), Korea will establish the Korea Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (KNCI), benchmarking the US National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) support system, to support regional education, research, and industrial needs. KNCI refers to a cooperative network linking six national nano-infrastructures including the Nano Convergence Technology Institute, nano-fab facilities, and universities and research institutes equipped with capabilities.

Through this, efforts will be made to advance service equipment and process capabilities in core fields such as 12-inch semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment, system semiconductors, compound and power semiconductors. In the mid to long term, a "Korean-style Nano Fab Infrastructure Development Strategy" tailored to Korea's capabilities and circumstances will be prepared to meet future demands.

Various programs to enhance professional manpower will be operated, and international cooperation activities befitting Korea's leap as a global leader in nanotechnology will be conducted. To adapt to changes in the external environment, revisions to the "Nanotechnology Development Promotion Act" will also be pursued, including promoting the utilization of research outcomes and introducing a nanotechnology certification system for nanomaterials and products.

Choi Ki-young, Minister of Science and ICT, said, "It is now time to practically utilize the nanotechnology capabilities accumulated so far to solve core industrial issues," adding, "We will faithfully implement this plan, which was established through cooperation among industry, academia, research, and government, to achieve the vision of 'leading the global future society through nanotechnology innovation.'"

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