The Science and Technology Diplomacy Forum kicks off, shaping the future of global cooperation with young scientists

Summary - To prepare for the significant expansion of international cooperation budget from next year, discussions will focus on promoting international joint research, establishing a foundation for collaboration with outstanding research groups abroad, and more.- The Forum will gather diverse input from young scientists in their 30s to 40s, whose research interests are in the fields such as quantum, AI, and advanced biotechnology, the promising areas of collaboration for next 2-3 years. The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") announced on September 19th, Tuesday, the commencement of the "Science and Technology Diplomacy Forum (a deliberative body which will be in operation from September to December 2023)."   The Science and Technology Diplomacy Forum is an expert deliberative body that has been held three times since 2021. The aim of the forum is to identify policy agendas related to international cooperation and diplomacy in the field of science and technology and to provide a platform for conversation among related experts, to prepare for the era of the competition for technological hegemony.   This year's Science and Technology Diplomacy Forum will be different from the one-off events held previously. Instead, it will involve discussions and debates over a period of three months to produce feasible output. In terms of contents, the Forum will explore ways to implement international cooperation in the field of science and technology in line with the administration's diplomatic vision, such as realizing South Korea as a global/international pivotal state. It will also seek to identify international cooperation policy and project agendas in preparation for the significant expansion of international cooperation-related research and development (R&D) budget starting next year. Additionally, support measures for researchers' international cooperation activities will be devised through the forum.   To better facilitate such goals, the Science and Technology Diplomacy Forum has been organized into two subgroups: one focusing on R&D topics (R&D Subgroup), including international joint research and overseas personnel exchange programs, and the other focusing on non-R&D topics (Non-R&D Subgroup), including coordination of international cooperation activities and establishment of a foundation for those actions. For each subgroup, scientific experts and research administration specialists in their 30s to 40s, who are actively engaged in the fields such as quantum, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced biotechnology, space and materials, are appointed as members. These fields are considered as a promising area for collaboration, of which the importance will constantly grow within next 2-3 years. This organization scheme intended to bring together creative and fresh perspectives and recommendations.   Furthermore, to mature the discussion process, there will be two formal meetings for each subgroup in September and October, followed by a roundup meeting in November to consolidate the results from the discussions. Finally, a comprehensive forum for deliberation will be held in December, which will invite subgroup members, scientists and engineers affiliated with domestic and international institutes, and the general public. The outcomes from and presentations made through these subgroup discussions and the comprehensive forum will be utilized as a resource in formulating MSIT's international cooperation policy direction for the following year.   The first R&D Subgroup meeting will address strategies for stimulating international joint research with overseas research institutes, in response to the budget expansion for international cooperation R&D in 2024. The opinions of young researchers will be gathered on procedural methods and institutional improvements for promoting bilateral and multilateral joint research and diversification of target countries and channels/routes for international cooperation.   Meanwhile, the Non-R&D Subgroup will address specific measures for establishing collaborative platforms and networks with excellent research groups abroad, including foreign and expatriate researchers. In particular, the subgroup will look for strategies to attract participation of outstanding overseas brainpower into domestic R&D ecosystem by promoting better exchanges and communication efforts. Moreover, enhancement of cooperation with overseas Korean scientists and scholars through overseas Korean associations will be discussed.   Director-General Kim Sung Gyu of the International Cooperation Bureau highlighted that MSIT will continue to develop policies, regulatory framework, and various initiatives for international cooperation in science and technology, of which the significance has been and is expected to increase constantly into the future. He said, "MSIT will attentively listen to opinions of young researchers, who will play a pivotal role in future international cooperation as they become leading figures inside both domestic and overseas research landscapes, and the Ministry will be sure to incorporate these opinions into our policies."     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. 

Trends in ICT Exports and Imports, August 2023

​- Exports $16.05 billion, imports $11.07 billion, trade surplus $4.98 billion - Gradual ease in ICT exports since April 2023 kept for August   In August 2023, the trade figures of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in South Korea recorded exports of $16.05 billion and imports of $11.07 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.98 billion, tentatively.   In the case of ICT exports, there was a 16.7% decline compared to the same month of the previous year. This decline is primarily attributed to market conditions such as the continued decline in semiconductor prices and the delayed recovery of demands for ICT devices. However, it is worth noting that the rate of export decline has been gradually easing since reaching its low point in April, showing signs of improvement as the rate of decline lowered below 20% for the first time this year.By product category, display saw an increase of 1.8%, while semiconductors (↓21.1%), mobile phones (↓12.2%), computers and peripheral devices (↓47.4%), and communication equipment (↓9.5%) experienced decreases.   By region, the increase in display exports has resulted in performance boost in Vietnam (↑1.7%), making a positive turn in 13 consecutive months, following the positive trend in Japan (↑13.0%), whereas decreases in China (including Hong Kong, ↓20.6%), the United States (↓29.5%), and the European Union (↓20.0%) have continued.   In the case of ICT imports ($11.07 billion), there was a decline of 18.1% in comparison to the same period last year ($13.52 billion), due to the delayed recovery of ICT demand, which had in turn led to a decrease in the import of key components like semiconductors. * Major import countries: China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, the US, etc.   Summary of ICT export performance by product category   1. Semiconductors ($8.64 billion, ↓21.1%) - Simultaneous decline in both systems ($3.97 billion, ↓14.9%) and memory ($4.25 billion, ↓26.1%) chips, due to the delayed recovery of semiconductor market conditions and continual fall in the price of memory chips.* * Trends in DRAM price (8Gb, $): July 2022 2.88 → October 2022 2.21 → January 2023 1.81 → April 2023 1.45 → August 2023 1.30 - However, the rate of decline in semiconductor exports are improving after reaching its low point this January.* * Trends in semiconductor exports (billion $, %): January 2023 6.15 (↓43.5) → April 2023 6.47 (↓40.6) → July 2023 7.54 (↓33.7) → August 2023 8.64 (↓21.1)   2. Display ($2.13 billion, ↑1.8%) - Expanded exports of OLED for mobile devices had led the display export increase in general, making a positive turn in 15 consecutive months.* * Trends in display exports (billion $, %): June 2022 1.78 (↓8.4) → July 2023 1.89 (↓5.4%) → August 2023 2.13 (↑1.8) - Especially, exports in Vietnam ($1.35 billion, ↑22.3%), where key manufacture bases of Korean mobile phone manufacturers are located, had led the general increase in display exports.   3. Mobile phones ($0.99 billion, ↓12.2%) - The delayed recovery in demands for mobile devices had resulted in export decreases in both end products ($0.18 billion, ↓30.6%) and partial products ($0.82 billion, ↓6.9%). - Despite this, in some regions including Japan had recorded increase in end product exports*, owing to the demand in high-end products. * Exports of mobile phone end products to Japan and the US ($ billion, %): Japan 0.06 (↑716.5%), US 0.05 (↑75.8%)   4. Computers and peripheral devices ($0.66 billion, ↓47.4%) - The overall decrease* was centered around electric devices and auxiliary memory units for data centers and servers (Solid State Drive, SSD, $0.36 billion, ↓63.3%). * Trends in computers and peripheral devices exports (billion $, %): June 2022 1.69 (↑13.4) → July 2022 1.21 (↓21.9) → July 2023 0.66 (↓47.4)   5. Communication equipment ($0.21 billion, ↓9.5%) - Regions where communication infrastructure is being expanded, such as Vietnam ($0.04 billion, ↑27.9%) and India  ($0.02 billion, ↑121.8%), experienced increase, while overall exports had decreased*, attributed to the global economic slowdown. Summary of export performance by region   1. China ($6.55 billion, ↓20.6%) - Looming economic risk factors have led to slowdown in production and consumption, resulting in export decreases in key items such as semiconductors ($4.56 billion, ↓20.6%), display ($0.55 billion, ↓20.8%), and mobile phones ($ 0.57 billion, ↓13.0%). * Trends in exports to China (billion $, %): May 2022 8.79 (↑1.4) → June 2022 9.08 (↓2.6) → August 2023 6.55 (↓20.6)   2. Vietnam ($3.05 billion, ↑1.7%) - A key manufacturing base for domestic businesses, display for mobile devices* have improved in demand, making a positive turn in 13 consecutive months. * Trends in display exports to Vietnam (billion $, %): June 2023 0.88 (↓5.2%) → July 2023 1.17 (↑4.9) → August 2023 1.35 (↑22.3) * Trends in exports to Vietnam (billion $, %): August 2022 3.00 (↓8.1%) → July 2023 2.52 (↓18.6) → August 2023 3.05 (↑1.7%)   3. United States ($1.65 billion, ↓29.5%) - While mobile phones ($0.08 billion, ↑34.5%) have seen an increase in exports, semiconductors ($0.43 billion, ↓45.1%) and computers and peripheral devices ($0.17 billion, ↓64.9%) have experienced decreases. * Trends in exports to the US (billion $, %): September 2022 2.68 (↑3.6%) → October 2022 2.04 (↓14.2) → August 2023 1.65 (↓29.5)   4. European Union ($0.84 billion, ↓20.0%) - There were an increase in semiconductors ($0.24 billion, ↑12.2%), and decreases in mobile phones ($0.03 billion, ↓60.0%) and computers and peripheral devices ($0.01 billion, ↓39.3%). * Trends in exports to the EU (billion $, %): August 2022 1.04 (↑4.6) → September 2022 1.09 (↓0.1) → August 2023 0.84 (↓20.0)   5. Japan ($0.38 billion, ↑13.0%) - General export growth seen for two consecutive months, mainly driven by semiconductors ($0.12 billion, ↑3.2%), mobile phones ($0.07 billion, ↑331.1%), and secondary batteries ($0.04 billion, ↑14.9%). * Trends in exports to Japan (billion $, %): June 2023 0.36 (↓10.3) → July 2023 0.42 (↑23.1) → August 2023 0.38 (↑13.0)   Summary of import figures in August 2023   - By product category: Declines in semiconductors ($5.28 billion, ↓21.5%), computers and peripheral devices ($1.01 billion, ↓23.9%), mobile phones ($0.56 billion, ↓43.5%), and display ($0.41 billion, ↓0.2%) - By region: Declines in China ($3.79 billion, ↓32.1%), Taiwan ($1.73 billion, ↓23.9%), Vietnam ($1.07 billion, ↓22.5%), Japan ($1.03 billion, ↓6.8%), and the US ($0.69 billion, ↓4.0%)     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. 

RoK and US to strengthen strategic cooperation in AI, 6G, OpenRAN and a new digital order, following up to the previous state visit to the US and trilateral summit

Summary- Vice Minister Park Yun Kyu had meetings with key officials from the US government and international organizations to expand the scope of digital cooperation between the two countries and achieve a consensus on digital development.- US DOS-MSIT co-hosted the "7th RoK-US ICT Policy Forum" and announced the first Joint Statement, outlining specific directions for bilateral cooperation.             The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") and the Personal Information Protection Commission (Chairperson Ko Haksoo, hereinafter referred to as "PIPC") hosted the "7th Republic of Korea-United States of America (RoK-US) ICT Policy Forum" on September 12th (Tue.) to 13th (Wed.) for two days. This forum was organized to advance and execute the agreements reached between the two countries during President Yoon’s state visit to the United States in April and the RoK-US-Japan trilateral summit in August. MSIT and PIPC reported that through meetings with key officials from the US government (Department of State, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) and international organizations (World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank), the digital new order policy of the Korean government was introduced and asked of support, while the two countries discussed concrete measures for cooperation in the fields of advanced digital technologies, such as AI, OpenRAN, and 6G.   【① The announcement of Joint Statement at the 7th RoK-US ICT Policy Forum】          The RoK-US ICT Policy Forum, now in its 7th edition, began in 2013, upon the US Department of State (DOS)’s proposal. The forum kicked off with opening remarks from the 2nd Vice Minister Park Yun Kyu of MSIT and the Ambassador-at-Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick from US DOS. The Korean delegation for this forum consisted of 17 government officials and 23 private sector representatives, a total of 38 members. This inclusive approach allowed for in-depth discussion for cooperation opportunities not only limited to intergovernmental level, but also with and between private sector stakeholders.            The forum provided a valuable occasion where both parties agreed to collaborate in various areas, such as OpenRAN, 6G, and emerging technologies, AI and quantum technology for example, to support the growth of digital economy. This marks the first time since the establishment of the forum that Korea and the US have together released a Joint Statement. The major contents in the Joint Statement are as follows:   【② Suggestion to enhance digital cooperation with US government entities】           The 2nd Vice Minister Park Yun Kyu of MSIT expanded the scope of digital cooperation between South Korea and the United States through consecutive meetings with high-ranking US government officials in Washington D.C.           On the morning of September 12th (Tue.), following the opening of the RoK-US ICT Policy Forum, Vice Minister Park had a separate meeting with Nathaniel Fick, the US DOS Ambassador for Cyberspace and Digital Policy. In the meeting, he shared the "New Digital Order" policy, of which Korea is proactively implementing in line with the era of deepening digitization, and proposed upgrading the rank of senior representatives from each country to achieve more tangible outcomes of the ICT Forum. In addition, he requested US support for South Korea's bid to host the World Expo in Busan.          Proceeding to the afternoon, the Vice Minister held a meeting with Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information Alan Davidson from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). During this meeting, he introduced the Korean government's policies aimed at reinforcing AI ethics and reliability, and agreed to engage in policy exchange regarding responsibilities and trustworthiness of AI between two organizations in the future. Additionally, they agreed to collaborate with telecommunications operators and equipment manufacturers on both sides in the field of OpenRAN and 6G, to improve diversity in the telecommunications supply chain.          On the next morning of September 13th (Wed.), Vice Minister Park met with Executive Director Brandon Wales of Cybersecurity and Information Security Agency (CISA), and proposed some initiatives based on the "Strategic Cybersecurity Cooperation Framework." These initiatives include information sharing and technological·human resource exchange*, which are already in action, and new suggestions such as regular seminars for sharing threat information, mutual participation in response training for breakout incidents, and joint research projects in cybersecurity.* (Information sharing) Establishment of automatic synchronization between cyber threat information sharing system of respective countries, (Human resource exchange) Dispatching domestic expert (from Korea Internet and Security Agency, 1 person) to the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), etc.   【③ Building consensus on digital development cooperation with international organizations】          Vice Minister Park Yun Kyu of MSIT met with key figures from international organizations as well, to build consensus on the need for digital development cooperation and resolution of the digital divide within the international community.          On the afternoon of September 11th (Mon.), Vice Minister Park visited the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and met with Vice President for Sectors and Knowledge Ana María Ibáñez. They reviewed progress of the joint project being undertaken by both institutions, which aims to foster collaboration between digital enterprises of Korea and Central and South America and the innovation ecosystem of Central and South America. On this occasion, they discussed to explore ways of realizing digital transformation in Central and South America, and the Vice Minister requested the participation of IDB in the "RoK-Central and South America Digital Minister's Meeting," scheduled for next year. In addition, he proposed an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)* between MSIT and IDB for continued cooperation.* ICT/STI policy capacity training for Central and South American public workers, joint exploration and support for ICT/STI projects (until November 2022)          Finally, on September 12th, in the morning, Vice Minister Park met with Vice President for Infrastructure Guangzhe Chen of the World Bank to present Korea's ongoing efforts to establish digital norms to ensure that the benefits of digital innovation are shared by all members of society, and asked for the World Bank's support in disseminating Korea's normative vision throughout the international community. He also expressed the Korean government's commitment to actively share policy case studies and expertise in AI, data, network, and cybersecurity, all of which we have our strengths on, in the context of digital development.          The 2nd Vice Minister Park Yun Kyu of MSIT stated that, "'Digital' has come to the forefront of the RoK-US alliance, over the course of previous meetings in the RoK-US Summit in April and the RoK-US-Japan Summit in August." He further highlighted, "MSIT will continue to advance the follow-up measures of these summits, which were the key agenda of serial discussions held in this visit to Washington D.C., so that we can secure world-class digital capabilities and take the lead in establishing a new digital order."     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.