Tech Service Support to Expand... Ministry of SMEs and Startups Recruits SMEs for Export Voucher Program

On April 29, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it is recruiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the 'Tech Service Export Voucher' program, which aims to expand exports in the tech service sector.

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Tech service refers to providing new or significantly more efficient services compared to existing ones by utilizing digital or AI (artificial intelligence) technologies. The Tech Service Export Voucher is the result of concretizing the plan to intensively foster technology-exporting SMEs, as outlined in the 'Support Measures for Globalization of SMEs and Startups' announced by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in May last year.

First, through the Tech Service Export Voucher, the ministry plans to provide specialized support for three core tech service areas with high demand and utilization among technology-exporting SMEs. The core services include cloud utilization, data center utilization, and user interface improvement. These areas have not previously been eligible for support under the existing export voucher programs.

Second, specialized support will not be limited to the core services. The ministry will also provide support, after prior review, for various industry-specific needs such as testbed expenses for localization and the cost of producing virtual reality content for export. Previously, companies participating in the export voucher program could only use pre-designated service items, but in the tech service sector, government support will now cover a much broader range.

Next, among the 14 service categories in the existing export voucher program, companies will be able to freely select and utilize any services necessary for the export process. The service menu will include about 8,000 services across 14 fields, such as design development, exhibitions, patents and intellectual property rights, and certifications. The export voucher program is designed to allow companies to utilize marketing services and other export-related support as needed, and the 'Tech Service Export Voucher' program will also provide support in the same export marketing fields.

The Tech Service Export Voucher program will be available for applications starting in July. SMEs wishing to participate can apply through the official export voucher website.

Lee Soonbae, Director General for Global Growth Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, said, "We expect the tech service sector to become a new export growth engine for us," and added, "We will continue to discover and support technology-exporting SMEs with competitive advantages so that they can secure a leading position in the global market."

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