• MSIT introduces the "Directions for Global R&D"

• Focuses on concentrated investment in strategic technologies, strengthened support for young researchers, and expansion in various forms of cooperation

The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") announced that the "2023 International Symposium of Global Research and Development (R&D) Centers and Global HUB Centers" was held on November 20^th (Mon.).

Since 2010, the Symposium has been annually organized to present key achievements and discuss future cooperation plans of "Global Research and Development Centers (GRDC)" and "Global HUB Centers (GHUB)"* initiatives, which aim to attract and establish cooperation hubs for outstanding overseas research units. In particular, this year's Symposium received heightened attention coming from the field, regarding recent expansion of global R&D budgets and diversification of new projects. In response, the Symposium provided the introduction of the "Directions for Global R&D," which will be implemented from next year, and a conversation with researchers.

* Global Research and Development Centers (GRDC): Operation period 2005-2023 / a total budget of 2.44 billion KRW (in 2023), Global HUB Centers (GHUB): Operation period 2021-2028 / a total budget of 6.9 billion KRW (in 2023)

             First, the key contents of MSIT's "Directions for Global R&D" are as follows:

             Current status shows that global R&D in Korea is significantly underfunded compared to major countries such as the United States and European Union.* Despite a roughly twofold increase in overall size of government R&D over the past decade, global R&D investment still falls short, accounting for less than 2% of the total government R&D investments.

* Percentage of global R&D among the total government R&D (as of 2021): Italy 7.1%, United Kingdom 5.3%, Germany 3.4%, Korea 1.6%

             Moreover, amidst the global competition for technological dominance, there has been a long-standing recognition of the importance, both in terms of timing and policy, of expanding solidarity and cooperation with nations that possess cutting-edge scientific and technological capabilities, and that share universal values with Korea. This recognition called for a crucial national task to put such efforts forward.

             In line with this, MSIT plans to invest a total of KRW 1.8 trillion in global R&D in 2024, with four focus directions: (1) Concentrated investments in strategic technologies such as bio, AI, quantum, and semiconductor, (2) Strengthening support for outstanding young researchers' global outreach and collaboration, (3) Evidence-based development of cooperation strategies by nation and by specific fields of technology, and (4) Prompt establishment of legal and institutional foundation to enable free participation of domestic and international researchers and research units.

             Furthermore, MSIT has addressed some misunderstandings that have been circulating in some groups to foster a better understanding of global R&D. For instance, it is not true that foreign researchers must be mandatorily included in any global R&D project, or that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must be mandatorily signed with foreign research units. Instead, MSIT indicated the support for global R&D will guarantee flexibility to allow for various forms of collaboration depending on the particularities of each project.

             Meanwhile, approximately 150 domestic and international researchers attended the Symposium to exchange past achievements and future collaboration opportunities. Two projects that have demonstrated outstanding results were in the field of medical device (UK) and diagnostic biochips (US, Switzerland), pursuing joint research efforts and creation of networks with world-class research units in the respective fields. Particularly noteworthy is the UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, which was formed through the collaboration between Eastman Dental Institute at University College London* and Dankook University. The excellent performance by the Dental Medicine Innovation Centre included the publication of over 70 papers in the top 10% Impact Factor journals and 20 international co-applicant patents, securing a base for commercialization.

* A research-centric university which ranked 8^th in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.

             MSIT Minister Lee Jong Ho attended the Symposium on November 20^th, emphasizing that starting from next year, there will be a significant expansion of global R&D and swift amendments made to relevant policies and regulations. He stated, "As new challenges and innovation opportunities for international joint researches are in bloom, MSIT will commit itself in supporting Korean researchers to actively engage in collaboration with world-class researchers and make outstanding contributions."

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.

please refer to the attached PDF.