[Insight & Opinion] The Scientific Community Must Stay One Step Ahead of the Government

Ministry of Science and ICT’s Ambitious Dream for an AI Great Transformation
Uncertainty Remains Over Securing Political and Social Momentum
Maximizing the Capabilities of Companies and Scientists is Key

The Ministry of Science and ICT is going all-in on the ‘3 major game changers’ of artificial intelligence (AI), bio, and quantum technologies for an ‘AI Great Transformation.’ The goal is to become one of the ‘Top 3 AI Global Powers.’ They plan to build a 4 trillion won National AI Computing Center, develop a 1000-qubit quantum computer and artificial general intelligence (AGI). They will also establish a public biofoundry for synthetic biology and create a 1 trillion won ‘Science and Technology Innovation Fund.’ The National AI Committee, National Bio Committee, and National Quantum Strategy Committee will also be officially launched.

This is the Ministry of Science and ICT’s work plan for 2025. The Ministry of Science and Technology, which had been stunned by a drastic cut in the national R&D budget, has belatedly regained its composure. However, the political impeachment crisis triggered by martial law has thrown the country into turmoil. It remains highly uncertain whether the Ministry of Science and ICT can secure the political and social momentum needed to realize the dream of an AI Great Transformation.

It is true that artificial intelligence (AI), which suddenly gained attention over the past two years thanks to ChatGPT and deep learning, is now the prevailing trend. Last year’s Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry were effectively swept by AI-related achievements. The media and the internet are also heating up with rosy prospects for the industrial applications of generative AI. We too must take an active interest in such AI and begin serious investments.

The outlook for the three game changers chosen by the government is not entirely bright. This is especially true for quantum technology. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, our quantum computer technology is at a beginner level. If the U.S. scores 100 points, we only have 2.3 points. International opinions on the commercialization prospects of quantum computers are sharply divided. The stock market fluctuates with every word from tech company leaders. In fact, neither the ‘5-year theory’ nor the ‘20-year theory’ is easy to believe.

That does not mean we should give up. Uncertainty is an inherent part of investing in leading-edge science and technology. Rather, alternatives are needed to overcome potential failures and recover. Above all, the scientific community needs reasonable and convincing grounds for the choice of the ‘3 major game changers.’ The traces of presidential overseas trips must be thoroughly erased. It is time to decisively abandon the follower mindset of ‘since others are going to the market, let’s follow.’

A realistic strategy that maximizes the capabilities of companies and scientists is key. Government- and bureaucrat-led selection and concentration is an outdated method that was only effective in past follower-type R&D. The Ministry of Science and ICT should focus on removing faulty regulations that suppress private sector capabilities.

Illusions about the grand ‘national’ committees chaired by the president must also be discarded. The ‘National AI Computing Center,’ which reeks of totalitarianism, is also inappropriate. Now, we need names that reflect our traditions and dreams, like the Pasteur Institute, Max Planck Institute, or Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

It is time to stop playing a supporting role in government agendas. Green growth, creative economy, and carbon neutrality, all promoted under the banner of science and technology, have been deadly poisons for science and technology. The abolition of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the nuclear phase-out were not enough; now scientists are being driven into the position of ‘predatory mobs’ (cartels).

The scientific community must wake up. Rather than complying with the Ministry of Science and ICT’s business plans, it must always stay one step ahead. Scientists must also be determined to protect their pride and honor themselves.

Lee Deok-hwan, Professor Emeritus at Sogang University, Chemistry and Science Communication

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