MSIT Announces Strategy for Securing Future Materials to Support National Strategic Technologies
On Wednesday, March 22, at 2 p.m., the Ministry of Science and ICT presented the 'Strategy for Securing Future Materials to Support National Strategic Technologies' at the Intercontinental COEX, Seoul, and discussed with researchers how to effectively support future materials R&D. The first part of the event consisted of a Minister’s presentation of MSIT's 'Strategy for Securing Future Materials to Support National Strategic Technologies' and a discussion between the minister and researchers. In the second part of the event, businessmen and researchers discussed the current status of R&D in the field of future materials and the direction of support. The event was attended by more than 200 material researchers from companies, universities, and government-funded research institutes, who interacted with each other, shared their research status, and viewed representative achievements on display. In the recent era of technological hegemony, where competitiveness in science and technology also affects a country's diplomacy and security, countries are strategically fostering core technologies. The government has selected 12 national strategic technologies last October, and it has become necessary to secure future materials in line with these national strategic technologies. Therefore, MSIT has identified 100 future materials that will be needed in the future in consideration of the 12 national strategic technologies, and has established a technology roadmap to be secured by the end of the next 10 years to achieve global technological superiority.* Dependence on Japan for materials, parts, and equipment in 2022 was the lowest ever (15.4%)A total of 350 experts from industry and academia, in specialized research groups by each national strategic technology area, participated in the process of identifying the top 100 future materials. Through bottom-up technology demand research and top-down strategy analysis, experts identified demand the top 100 future materials to solve technology challenges. MSIT announced to operate its R&D projects in a mission-oriented manner and continuously strengthen the digital-based material ecosystem in order to successfully secure future materials. It aims to support the entire cycle of securing future materials and improve the effectiveness of R&D through linkages between relevant research from different research institute and Ministries. Furthermore, the government will activate the Korea Material Data Station (K-MDS) and promote pilot projects to accelerate material development by utilizing data and intelligent robots.Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho said, "Securing future materials that embody technology is important to stay ahead of the competition for technological supremacy among major countries." "We will continue to communicate closely with the market to discover impactful materials and provide support for technological superiority."For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (E-mail: msitpress@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.
Korea’s National Digital Strategy to Be Shared with the World
- MSIT and World Bank co-hosts Korea Digital Days from Mar 21-23 - MSIT nad World Bank Sign an MoU on Digital Development CooperationThe Ministry of Science and ICT (“MSIT”; Minister Lee Jong-Ho) announced that the MSIT and the World Bank co-hosted the three-day Korea Digital Days event from March 21 (Tuesday) to 23 (Thursday). The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on expanding cooperation in the digital sector, and the Republic of Korea shared its key digital policies, presented its best practices in digital innovation and suggested the direction of a new digital order for the future. In 2021, Korea and the World Bank launched a three-year program called, Korea Digital Development Program (KoDi), and have been sharing Korea’s technology development cases with developing countries and jointly carrying out activities that support data-driven, safe and green digital transformation.Korea Digital Days was organized to present Korea’s digital vision and policies, such as the New York Initiative unveiled by President Yoon Suk Yeol in September last year and the National Digital Strategy to implement the Initiative, and share Korea’s best practices in digital innovation sectors, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data, cyber security and the Digital Platform Government, with the World Bank staff including Guangzhe Chen, Vice President for Infrastructure, and Manuela V. Ferro, Vice President for East Asia and Pacific.<MSIT-World Bank Mou on Digital Development Cooperation> ㅇ (Type) A non-binding understanding between the two Sides that will be effective for three years from the date of signingㅇ (Areas of Cooperation) Exchanging knowledge and promoting events and studies* in the areas of common interest, including artificial intelligence, data, telecommunications, broadcasting, radio, broadband network, ICT industry, software and cyber security* Exchanging information, developing knowledge products and services, participating in joint events (consultation meetings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions), developing joint studies, establishing master plans, exploring investment opportunities, exploring the possibilities of staff exchange programs and reciprocal visitsThe three-day event opened with welcoming remarks from Vice Presidents Chen and Ferro; then, Deputy Minister Ryu Kwang Jun of the MSIT began his presentation with an introduction of the New York Initiative and elaborated on Korea’s National Digital Strategy and measures to establish a new digital order.President Hur Sung-Wook of the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) gave a keynote presentation with a theme of “AI for Participation, Solidarity and Prosperity.” He introduced Korea’s efforts to develop the AI industry through cloud infrastructure and sector- specific AI integration, with examples of high-performance computing (HPC) and software as a service (SaaS), and shared measures for Korea-World Bank cooperation in AI education and official development assisstance (ODA).On the second day of the event, President Hwang Jong Sung of the National Information Society Agency (NIA) will give a presentation on “A New Journey to Digital Platform Government” and lay out Korea’s policies on AI- and data-driven Digital Platform Government for addressing global social issues. Then, President Lee Won Tae of the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA) will present Korea’s cyber security policy model and international cooperation activities in cyber security, with the theme of “Enhancing Cyber Security and Resilience.”On the last day of the event, President Yoon Heajeang of the Korea Data Agency (K- Data) will present measures on harnessing data-related opportunities and narrowing the data<MSIT-World Bank Mou on Digital Development Cooperation>ㅇ (Type) A non-binding understanding between the two Sides that will be effective for three years from the date of signingㅇ (Areas of Cooperation) Exchanging knowledge and promoting events and studies* in the areas of common interest, including artificial intelligence, data, telecommunications, broadcasting, radio, broadband network, ICT industry, software and cyber security* Exchanging information, developing knowledge products and services, participating in joint events (consultation meetings, seminars, workshops, exhibitions), developing joint studies, establishing master plans, exploring investment opportunities, exploring the possibilities of staff exchange programs and reciprocal visitsgap amid the accelerating digital transformation, with the theme of “Contributing to Economic and Social Innovation in Korea by Supporting the Growth of the Data Industry and Enhancing the Social Utilization of Data.” Then, Korea Digital Days will be concluded with a closing ceremony led by the World Bank.Korea Digital Days is particularly meaningful because it provides a venue for promoting Korea’s achievements in digital innovation to the World Bank, an international institution that provides development and assistance programs to developing countries. The event is in line with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s New York Initiative, which asserts that digital innovation should contribute to realizing the universal values of humanity and that Korea will share the achievements of its digital innovation and the direction of a new digital order with global citizens.At the opening ceremony of Korea Digital Days, the MSIT and the World Bank signed an MoU to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in the digital development sector. Although the MSIT and the Bank have been sharing Korea’s digital policies and development experience and supported the economic and social development of developing countries, this MoU will lay a foundation for identifying more concrete areas of cooperation and collaboration measures. The MSIT plans to work more closely with the World Bank in the areas on where Korea focusing, such as AI, data and cyber security, to secure Korea’s status as a model digital nation.Deputy Minister Ryu Kwang Jun said, “Korea is implementing nation-wide innovation policies to secure Korea’s position as a leading nation in the digital age. Starting with Korea Digital Days, the MSIT will continue to create opportunities to actively share with global citizens Korea’s achievements in digital policies and its process of establishing a new digital order, and spare no effort to build an inclusive and prosperous digital society.”GovernmentMinistry of Science and ICTHeadDirectorJang Eunyoung044-202-6270Multilateral Cooperation DivisionPoint of ContactDeputy DirectorPark Suhyun044-202-4361 Affiliated OrganizationNIPAHeadTeam LeaderYum ChangYeol043-931-5730AI Strategy TeamPoint of ContactManagerLim Seulah043-931-5736K-DataHeadTeam LeaderKim Byungkon02-3708-5430Data Use and Diffusion TeamPoint of ContactManagerLee Junho02-3708-5434KISAHeadTeam LeaderSong Hye-in061-820-1835Global Cooperation TeamPoint of ContactManagerLim Minjee061-820-1223NIAHeadTeam LeaderYang Hyunsoo064-909-3011Global Digital Transformation TeamPoint of ContactSenior ManagerOh Daehoon02-6191-2024
The U.S.- ROK Civil Space/GNSS Meeting was held in Seoul to further enhance cooperation
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT; Minister Lee Jong-Ho) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA; Minister Park Jin) announced that the “U.S.-ROK Civil Space/GNSS Meeting” was held with the U.S. Department of State, Department of Commerce, Space Force and Coast Guard in Seoul on Monday, March 20 and Tuesday, March 21, 2023.The meeting was held to discuss cooperation in the ROK's development of Korean Positioning System (KPS) and space industry promotion as a follow-up action to the U.S.-ROK Summit in May and the third U.S.-ROK Civil Space Dialogue in December of 2022.In the GPS-KPS Working Group Meeting held on March 20, the first day of the U.S.-ROK Space/GNSS meeting, The ROK government explained the development status and future plans of the KPS and the Korea Augmentation Satellite System (KASS). Both Governments reaffirmed the importance of providing open access, free of direct user fees to space-based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services for peaceful purposes. The two governments also discussed policy and technical cooperation to enhance compatibility and interoperability with the U.S. Global Positioning system (GPS), as well as cooperation at international organizations such as the United Nations International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (UN ICG). Following the meeting, both Governments adopted a Joint Announcement outlining the key cooperation issues discussed at the meeting, and agreed to hold a second meeting in the United States in September this year.Furthermore, both Governments discussed the details of the ‘U.S.-ROK Space Industry Forum,’ which was agreed to be held later this year. Both Governments agreed on the need for continued policy cooperation in the space industry field. As a first step to expand cooperation in the space industry between the two countries, they agreed to work closely together to organize a Space Industry Forum in the second half of this year.Meanwhile, the U.S. government held the International Information Subcommittee (IISC) of the Civil GPS Service Interface Committee (CGSIC) in Seoul on March 21 as a part of the U.S.-ROK Space/GNSS Meeting. CGSIC is the recognized worldwide forum for effective interaction between all civil GPS users and the U.S. GPS authorities. The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) coordinates and manages CGSIC in cooperation with the Department of Transportation. Especially, IISC focuses on the needs of the international GPS user community by hosting information exchanges throughout the world and collecting inputs from users outside the U.S.Through the sub-committee, the U.S. government gave presentations regarding the status updates, application cases, and modernization plan of GPS program and responded to Korean GPS users’ questions and opinions. The Korean side also presented the status updates of KPS program and GPS utilization technology in Urban Air Mobility (UAM).The U.S. and the ROK have strengthened their cooperative relations through this meeting. Continued close cooperation between both governments in the space sector will contribute to the peaceful development of the Indo-Pacific region and promote global economic growth.For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (E-mail: msitpress@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.
Information Brochure on the MSIT
Minister Lim Hyesook visits AAAS to encourage Scientific Collaboration
https://www.aaas.org/news/visit-lim-hye-sook-encourages-scientific-collaborationVisit from Lim Hye Sook Encourages Scientific Collaboration20 December 2021by: Emily HughesSouth Korean Minister of Science and ICT Minister Lim Hye Sook, and a delegation from the Ministry and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea visited the American Association for the Advancement of Science on Dec. 14 to meet with AAAS CEO Sudip Parikh and Science journals editor-in-chief Holden Thorp. Parikh and Lim discussed the important scientific relationship between both countries. They also touched on issues such as critical technologies, increasing opportunities for women in STEM and science diplomacy. The visit follows the U.S. – Korea Presidential Summit in May between President Biden and President Moon. During their meeting, both leaders committed to “strengthening their partnership in civil space exploration, science, and aeronautics research.” Shortly following, Minister Lim signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the South Korean ministry, joining an international agreement that establishes guiding principles for space exploration.Lim’s trip to Washington, D.C. included meetings with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation and the Federal Communication Commission in an effort to continue fostering scientific discourse between both countries. Lim referenced the meeting between Biden and Moon in her conversation with Parikh, calling her delegation’s visit an effort to reaffirm the strength of the alliance between the two countries.Lim and her delegation spoke on South Korea’s work in emerging technologies, an area Minister Lim has placed particular emphasis on during her time as Minister of Science and ICT, where she is responsible for administering Korea’s Digital New Deal. The initiative aims to boost investment in technologies like 5G, big data, and artificial intelligence and lay the groundwork for a digital economy. Lim added that South Korea is hoping to work with the U.S. in these areas.They also discussed the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the sciences, which AAAS has placed particular emphasis on in recent years. Lim and her delegation stressed the importance of encouraging women in STEM fields. Lim shared her personal experience, which includes being the first female Minister of Science and ICT. Throughout their conversation, Parikh and Lim emphasized the importance of collaboration between both countries. Lim said that South Korea has seen “tangible outcomes” from working together in cutting edge technologies. She encouraged further “talent exchanges in STEM.” Parikh agreed, calling the ability to collaborate “critical to our success” and adding that “our cooperation is critical to make sure that future advances happen for the good of all.”At the close of her visit, Lim and Parikh exchanged gifts. Lim presented Parikh with a King Diadem Ornament framed in a velvet shadowbox, a hopeful symbol of collaborations to comePlease refer to the attached PDF
2021 ICT Ministerial Meeting (Dec. 1)
A New Normal,Rebuilding an Inclusive Society Through Digital: Promoting Broadband Connectivityand Digital Inclusion○ Background and introduction Currently the entire world is striving to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and we are realizing the benefits of digital technologies that can help respond to threats effectively and maintain communication among people. Digital technologies has come to function as a core system for society as a whole, more than just convenience. The other side of COVID-19 crisis as a catalyst for digital transformation suggests that it can serve as a tool for technological innovation and transformation into the New Normal era depending on how each country approaches the current crisis. However, at the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic shed new light on the grave challenges related to digital technologies. While digital technologies make it possible to learn and work at home in an environment with Internet access, not everyone can enjoy such a benefit. The marginalized people who are not guaranteed sufficient access to the Internet and digital technologies are suffering from social inequality and discrimination as well as discomfort in their daily lives. ICT Ministers Meeting was promoted from 2005 in order to share the policy experience and vision of various nations in ICT areas and devise methods of cooperation. Now it is time to come up with policies that can enable everyone to carry out economic activities and pursue a better quality of life using digital technologies. ICT Ministerial Meeting 2021 will be a valuable opportunity for participating countries to share their respective policies and vision under the theme of ‘A New Normal, Rebuilding an Inclusive Society Through Digital: Promoting Broadband Connectivity and Digital Inclusion’. ○ Overview - Date / Venue: 1 December(Wed), 2021, at Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnass Hotel - Host / Organizer: Ministry of Science and ICT, National IT Industry Promotion Agency - Theme: ‘A New Normal, Rebuilding an Inclusive Society Through Digital: Promoting Broadband Connectivity and Digital Inclusion’ Please refer to the attached PDF
Three Proposals for International Standards by the National Radio Research Agency of Korea on Ensuring the Security of Vehicular Communications in the Final Stage Before Adoption in the ITU
The National Radio Research Agency under the Ministry of Science and ICT (“MSIT”; Minister Lee Jong-Ho) announced that three international standards developed by Korea, including intelligent transportation system communication devices, were adopted in advance* and three new standard development tasks, including quantum cryptography communication, were approved at the “International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Information Security Study Group 17 (SG17*)” (Chairman: Mr. Heung Youl YOUM, Professor of Soonchunhyang University) which was held in Geneva, Switzerland from August 23 to September 2. * This refers to Last Call phase, which is a phrase right before the final adoption of standards. The proposed standards are finally adopted after being circulated to member states and if there is no objection. １ Three Last Call international standard proposals related to vehicular communications security In recent years, there is a growing security threats to vehicular communication as more vehicles are connected to the network and relevant technologies have advanced enough to enable autonomous driving. In response, Korea made years of efforts to develop a standard for vehicular communications security based on collaboration between the industry, academia and research institutes (Korea University, ETAS Korea, ETRI, Hyundai Motor Company). Three related proposals were adopted in advance as international standards at the meeting of ITU-T SG17. The adopted Last Call proposals include ① Guidelines for sharing security threat information on connected vehicles, ② Security guidelines for cloud-based data recorders in automotive environments, and ③ Security guidelines for Ethernet-based In-Vehicle networks. It is expected that such standards will have postitive implications well beyond contributing to ensure the security and safety of the vehicular network, as they can be used as objective and reliable references for auto insurance companies in analyzing the cause of vehicle accidents and settling disputes. ２ Three new work items on topics including quantum cryptography communication added to the SG17 Work Programme Among the new work items agreed to be added to the SG17 Work Programme, the following items were proposed by Korea: ① Security requirements for Quantum Key Distribution Network interworking (QKDNi), ② Supplement to X.1813**: Security deployment models and requirements for the operation of C-V2X services supporting ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC), ③ Security guidelines for electric vehicle plug and charge (PnC) service using vehicle identity (VID). The development of the proposals for the new work items were led by MagData, Sooncheonhyang University, Hyundai AutoEver, SK Telecom, and TTA. Research to develop relevant standards are slated to begin this year. * C-V2X refers to Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything ** X.1813: Security requirements for operation of vertical services supporting ultra reliable and low latency communication (URLLC) in IMT-2020 private networks Supplement: documents that are complementary to or related to a standard, but not essential for understanding and implementation A spokesperson from the National Radio Research Agency said, "The goal is to realize a digital powerhouse that ensures safety, at this tumultuous time when cyber threats are growing in all areas of society, while the pace of digital innovation accelerating at the same time. Building on Korea's strong data protection capacity, we will continue efforts to lead the development of international standards by working closely with experts from the industry, academia, and research institutes.” For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (E-mail: msitpress@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
RRA’s Five International Standard Proposals for 5G, Cloud Computing, and Quantum Cryptography Communication Technology Were Adopted by ITU
The National Radio Research Agency (RRA) under the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Lee Jong-ho) announced, "At the ITU-T Future Networks Study Group (SG13*) held in Geneva, Switzerland from July 4 to 15, five international standard proposals for 5G, cloud computing, and quantum cryptography (Head of the Korean Delegation: Dr. Kim Hyung-soo from KT) developed by Korea were consented**. Korea also secured 11 leadership positions for the SG13." * SG13: Study group on setting and revising standards related to future networks ** The stage just before the final adoption of a standard; if there is no disagreement through circulation among member countries, the standard is adopted. [Five International Standard Proposals Consented] ① The “Requirements and framework for jitter guarantee in large scale networks including IMT-2020 and beyond” standard prevents data delay in large scale networks, providing stable and secure services. Based on this, the standard is expected to contribute to the promotion of industries related to ultra-low latency services in 5G, Internet, and the metaverse. * Jitter: The amount of change in latency of data transmitted and received ② The “Cloud computing – Functional requirements of cloud service partner for multi-cloud” standard, which is the first Korean-led development of multi-cloud technology standard, provides the concept and functional requirements of multi-cloud. ③ The “Cloud computing – Global Management Framework of Distributed Cloud” standard defines the requirements of distributed cloud, a core 5G application technology. The two standards are expected to create a broader new market for the existing cloud computing environment and serve as a guide. ** Multi-Cloud: An environment that uses cloud services from two or more cloud providers simultaneously *** Distributed Cloud: Cloud on a network close to service users, not on a central server ④ The “Quantum key distribution networks (QKDN) - Functional architecture for quality of service assurance” and ⑤ “Quantum key distribution networks – Requirements for machine learning based quality of service assurance” standards are about technologies for guaranteeing the quality of quantum cryptography communication networks that are drawing attention as one of the security communication technologies for the future. It is expected that they will greatly contribute to the establishment of quantum cryptography communication networks that use these technologies and the commercialization through service quality assessment. As a new study period (2022-2024) began after the World Telecommunications Standardization Assembly (WTSA) held in March, the reorganization of the leadership positions of the Future Network Study Group (three Working Parties, 13 Questions under Study) was discussed. Korea secured 11 leadership positions for the SG13—9 seats re-elected and two seats additionally elected, including the working parties in the cloud and big data sectors and the JCA-ML* whose establishment was led by Korea. * JCA-ML : Group that jointly coordinates standardization activities between study groups and cooperates with other standardization organizations such as ISO/IEC to prevent duplication of machine learning standards development within ITU-T The RRA said, "We will continue to work with industry, academia and research institutions to lead international standardization activities in future network fields such as quantum, space, 6G, artificial intelligence and cloud." For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (E-mail: msitpress@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT or Deputy Director Park Mun-cheol (E-mail: pmc0125@korea.kr) of the National Radio Research Agency.
UNIST to Develop Key Technologies for Next-generation, Highly Integrated Semiconductors
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister: Lee Jong-Ho) announced that the research team* led by Professor Hyeon Suk Shin at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has successfully developed the technologies that can demonstrate single-crystal multi-layered hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN)** for the world’s first time. * (Co-corresponding authors) Hyeon Suk Shin (UNIST), Feng Ding (UNIST), Rodney Ruoff (UNIST), Manish Chhowalla (University of Cambridge, UK) (Co-first author) Kyung Yeol Ma (UNIST), Leining Zhang (UNIST) ** hBN : hexagonal Boron Nitride On June 2, the results from this research, which was conducted thanks to the support from the Future Technology Research Lab, Leadership Research, and Basic Research Lab Project of the Ministry of Science and ICT, were published in Nature, an international academic journal. hBN is known as the only two-dimensional (2D) insulating material, that can prevent degradation of functions such as charge trap and charge scattering, which may occur from next-generation, highly integrated semiconductors. Next-generation, highly integrated semiconductors deploy technologies, which can solve issues including leakage current and heat generation, by converting silicon into molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which is 2D semiconductor, and increase the level of integration in chips. However, this highly integrated semiconductor requires an insulator that physically separates wafer from MoS2, because a charge trap occurs when MoS2 is in direct contact with the wafer. In addition, as to prevent charge scattering, the insulating material should be the same 2D material as MoS2. Since 2D materials are connected to each other in 2D flat surface, charge scattering, which may be a problem in three-dimensional structure like silicon, does not occur here. Until now, the development of a technology that can synthesize 2D insulating material in a single cystal form that has appropriate thickness, enough to be used in semiconductor devices, has been a challenge. The research team was able to synthesize hBN single crystal that can be adjusted in thickness, through a new synthesis method, capable of adjusting the level of concentration of materials required for synthesis. Although cases of synthesizing hBN large enough for commercial launch have been published in Nature and Science so far, this is the first time in the world that a single crystal has been synthesized in the form of multi-layered thin film. Professor Hyeon Suk Shin talked about the significance of this research by saying that, "Thanks to this study, we could develop technologies for synthesizing materials, that can solve physical limits of traditional highly integrated semiconductors, which are represented by the Moore's Law." Professor Shin went on to say that "As it is frequently reported that hBN can be used in not only semiconductors but also hydrogen fuel cell electrolyte membranes, next-generation secondary battery electrode materials, and quantum light sources, additional research should be carried out actively to secure fundamental technologies for material production." For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (E-mail: msitpress@korea.kr), Deputy Director Hong Seok-beom (E-mail: doinbul@korea.kr) or Deputy Director Moon Yeong-geun (E-mail: ykmoon@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.