"Efforts to Secure Strategic Technologies"... Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT, Holds First Meeting with Heads of Government-Funded Research Institutes

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] On the 23rd, Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT, held a meeting with government-funded research institutes in the field of science and technology for the first time in about a month since his inauguration, urging the implementation of national tasks.

On the 23rd, Minister Lee held a meeting with heads of government-funded research institutes in the field of science and technology, including Kim Bok-cheol, Chairman of the National Research Council of Science and Technology, at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). This was the first time since his inauguration on May 10 that Minister Lee met with all heads of government-funded research institutes. The Ministry of Science and ICT explained, "The meeting was held to request the role of government-funded research institutes in implementing national tasks and to listen to opinions from the field to create a challenging and stable research environment."

The meeting began with presentations by the National Research Council of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Science and ICT on ‘The Role of Government-Funded Research Institutes in Securing Ultra-Gap Strategic Technologies’ and ‘Global Trends in the Era of Technological Hegemony and Response Directions Centered on Strategic Technologies,’ followed by a free discussion.

First, the roles of government-funded research institutes to date were reviewed. Cases of overcoming crises based on national strategic technologies such as the Nuri rocket launch and response to materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang), policies to enhance private sector vitality such as technology transfer and support for small and medium enterprises were examined, and examples of management innovation in government-funded research institutes were shared. Furthermore, based on future national tasks and private sector demand, discussions were held on the roles government-funded research institutes should play, including ▲securing strategic technologies, ▲industry-academia-research cooperation, and ▲acting as hubs for regional innovation.

In addition, institutional improvements and incentive measures for creating a stable and challenging research environment were discussed. Specifically, the Ministry of Science and ICT explained that various opinions from the field were heard, such as improving the blind recruitment system so that heads of institutions can manage personnel and finances according to the nature of their research institutions. Budget support and evaluation systems that allow researchers to voluntarily and enthusiastically devote themselves to research in the field were also discussed.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "Minister Lee Jong-ho and the heads of government-funded research institutes shared the recognition that securing strategic technologies in the era of technological hegemony is a key factor determining the nation's fate," and added, "They agreed to unite all capabilities of government-funded research institutes to overcome the current economic crisis and establish Korea's technological sovereignty."

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