"Low Commercialization of R&D Outcomes... Overcoming the Korea Paradox" [Tech War, Birth of Advanced Nations]

Kim Myung-ja, Chairperson of the Seoul International Forum, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 8th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "A leading country in science and technology is one that possesses the capability to solve problems that meet the demands of the times through its scientific and technological prowess. Korea must overcome the 'Korea Paradox,' characterized by poor commercialization and business outcomes despite high R&D financial input, and leap forward as a first mover through regulatory rationalization."

Kim Myung-ja (78), a senior figure in Korea's science and technology community and Chairperson of the Seoul International Forum, said this in an interview with Asia Economy. After graduating from Seoul National University’s Department of Chemistry and dedicating herself to research in academia, Kim served as Minister of Environment during the Kim Dae-jung administration, and later held positions such as member of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies. She is a prominent female scientist. Currently, she continues her passionate activities as Chairperson of the Board at Hyosung Group and Vice Chairperson of the Association of Science and Technology Contributors, maintaining an active role comparable to that of an incumbent. The following is a Q&A with Chairperson Kim.

- Is Korea’s level of science and technology that of a leading country?

△ Since the 1960s, Korea’s science and technology have grown rapidly through workforce development, passionate scientific activities, establishment of institutional infrastructure, national R&D projects, advanced industrial technology research, and globalization. The 'Miracle on the Han River' would have been impossible without scientific and technological capabilities and industrial competitiveness based on talent. Under the banner of 'Science-led Nation (Gwahak Ip-guk),' scientific and technological strength became the driving force of economic growth. However, there were limitations, and now is the golden time to overcome them.

- What are the limitations Korea faces?

△ It has been 20 years since we started talking about building a leading R&D model, but it is still in an immature stage. The absence of Nobel laureates in science is a representative example. A leading country in science and technology must have the ability to solve problems that meet the demands of the times through its scientific and technological strength. From the global climate crisis, energy transition, infectious disease response, to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it has become an era where national competitiveness and economic security for the public cannot be realized without scientific and technological capabilities. Korea ranks among the top in the world in R&D budget input relative to GDP, but economic and social outcomes are poor. Overcoming this 'Korea Paradox' is the biggest challenge.

Kim Myung-ja, Chairperson of the Seoul International Forum, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 8th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

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- Please give advice on overcoming these limitations.

△ Basic research results should not just end up as academic journal publications but should create a virtuous cycle of commercialization and market entry. Regulatory rationalization is urgently needed above all. We must listen to the demands of the private sector and field and find alternatives based on those standards. In cutting-edge industrial fields, negative regulation should be the general principle. It is also important to establish a regulatory governance system with execution power and coordination functions for regulatory rationalization.

- The shortage of talent is a serious issue.

△ Among elementary school children, very few aspire to become scientists in the future. On top of that, Korea has one of the worst birthrates in the world. Human resources must be utilized well. First and foremost, the utilization of female science and technology personnel must be a top priority. This does not mean appointing women just because they are women without capability. It means solving the problem of career interruption due to childbirth and childcare. The UN’s slogan, 'Gender equality is progress for all,' is absolutely right. Given the era of longevity, the utilization of retired science and technology personnel is also necessary.

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