South Korea and Finland Join Forces on AI, Quantum, and 6G... Expanding the 'Digital Technology Alliance'

Full-Scale Joint Research Under Horizon Europe
Revision of Digital Economy Cooperation MOU in Progress

South Korea and Finland have begun strengthening their "digital technology alliance" by expanding cooperation in future strategic technology sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and 6th generation mobile communications (6G).

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced that on May 19, First Vice Minister Koo Hyukchae met with Sakari Puisto, Minister of Employment and the Economy of Finland, in Yeouido, Seoul, to discuss measures to enhance bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and digital fields.

Reference photo to aid understanding of the article. Koo Hyukchae, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The two countries agreed to strengthen their partnership as "like-minded partners" to secure leadership in future industries amid global technological hegemony competition. They especially agreed that strategic technologies such as AI, quantum technology, and 6G are at the core of future digital dominance, and assessed that Finland's competitiveness in fundamental technologies and South Korea's manufacturing and process capabilities can create mutually complementary synergies.

Both countries will also expand joint research collaboration through the European Union's research and innovation program, Horizon Europe.

Currently, South Korea and Finland are pursuing a total of seven joint projects in strategic technology fields, with a total research budget of 118.5 million euros (approximately 206.5 billion won).

The government explained that interest in research is rising, as the number of projects submitted in the latest joint calls for 6G and quantum technology research increased by around 50% compared to previous periods.

Both sides also agreed to pursue a revision of the "Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Digital Economy Cooperation" signed in 2019. The plan is to establish a practical cooperation framework that goes beyond simple information sharing to include joint projects and exchange of research personnel.

Koo Hyukchae, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "If Korea's ICT manufacturing and operational capabilities are combined with Finland's competitiveness in fundamental technologies, we can create powerful synergies in the future digital market," adding, "I hope this meeting will serve as an opportunity to further expand scientific and technological cooperation and the digital economic alliance between our two countries."

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