Science and Technology Overview: Republic of Korea

Korea S&T Overview:

Executive Summary

Korea is a rapidly developing economy that has pursued remarkable economic growth since the 1950s. Korea has progressed from the assembly of low-priced, simple consumer products to the design and development of complex industrial and scientific processes. Many of Korea's companies are recognized as world leaders, however further growth requires that the country deepen and naturalize its own science and technology (S&T) infrastructure to maintain its competitive edge and enhance its standard of living.

Korea aims to be one of the top seven technologically advanced nations by 2025. The Government has announced an ambitious plan, 'Vision 2025', reforming the somewhat convoluted S&T infrastructures and policies within the government, as well as significantly increasing the powers of S&T agencies, such as the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). Along with these changes come substantial increases in funding. Investments are to be focussed in key areas such as information technology, biotechnology, environmental technologies, new materials, nanotechnology, space technology and atomic energy over the next 20 years.

The Korean National Innovation System (NIS) is shifting away from the one that revolves around the ideas of imitation, improvement , non-collaboration, closed, and investment- and supply-oriented to one that is basic, networked, open, focussed on value-creation, and is result- and demand-oriented. In this way the government intends to meet its long-term market development for the benefit of the Korean economy and the social needs of the growing population. The Korean innovation strategy can be summarized as a move from an "imitate and improve" tactic to one of "innovate and internationalize".

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2006 What's new in Korea

Korea's S&T policy is directed toward the continuous development of the country, concentrating more on meeting social needs, and pursuing harmonization of human activities and nature. This is a drastic departure from the past policy of rapid industrialization. As a responsible member of the international community, Korea is ready to play an active role in the global effort to improve human welfare through the advancement of science and technology.

To this end, MOST was seeking to establish a more balanced innovation system that encourages a simultaneously cooperative and competitive tripartite partnership among industries, academia, and public research organizations. As a part of these efforts, the Korean government elevated the position of the Minister for Science and Technology to that of Deputy Prime Minister in October 2004 and instituted the Headquarter of Science and Technology Innovation in MOST to provide a more balanced innovative administration system. This system is designed to facilitate drastic domestic and international changes on the horizon, and to plan, coordinate, and evaluate national R&D programs.

The Korean Government plans to increase overall government R&D expenditure to KRW 89.7 trillion (US$ 89.7 billion) in 2006 up by 15% from 2005 of which government R&D budget represents 81%. The remaining 19% comes from public R&D funds. The government R&D budget represents 4.7% of the total government budget (in 2005m it was 4.57%). The Korean Government will focus more on basic science research by increasing the budget for basic science research to 23.7% of the total government R&D budget (2005: 21.5%) and also increase the budget for regional R&D activities to 36.5% from 33.7% in 2005. MOST's R&D budget in 2006 is expected to be increased to KRW 212 billion (US$2.12 billion), up by 17.9% from 2005.

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Major National R&D Programs for MOST:

The National R&D Program was first initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 1982 with the aim to strengthen technological capabilities and competitiveness. The current National R&D Program includes the 21st Century Frontier R&D Program, the Creative Research Initiative (CRI), the National Research Laboratory (NRL), the Biotechnology Development Program, the Nanotechnology Development Program, and the Space Technology Development Program. Summaries of these projects are as follows:

The 21st Century Frontier R&D Program was initiated in 1999 with a vision to develop core technologies and to secure leading-edge technologies in promising areas by 2010. The government plans to support 20 projects at a total cost in excess of US$ 3.5 billion under the program. Eight projects in the areas of biotechnology, three in nanotechnology, and five in environment and energy totalling 16 projects are currently underway. Government budget for 2006 in this program is KRW144 billion.

The Creative Research Initiative (CRI), which was launched in 1997, symbolizes the policy shift in S&T development in Korea "from imitation to innovation." It aims to strengthen the national potential for technological competitiveness through creative basic research. Therefore, it focuses on exploring various phenomena that occur in nature, developing new fields of scientific research, and making technological breakthroughs. The grant is awarded to researchers on the basis of creativity and originality of their proposals. Fifty-seven CRIs across the nation are currently under way ($500,000 per project per year). Total KRW 32.5 billion has been allocated for this initiative for 2006.

The National Research Laboratory (NRL), launched in 1999, aims to explore and foster research centers of excellence, which will play a pivotal role in improving technological competitiveness. Annually, the government will fund US$ 250,000 per laboratory for a maximum of five years, with a special emphasis on strengthening core technology in relevant fields. About 175 NRLs are expected to receive funding in 2006 totalling KRW 37.4 billion.

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The Nano-Bio Technology (NT-BT) Development Program was established in 2001. The Korean government declared 2001 as "The Year of Nano-Bio Technology" and plans to put available S&T resources together toward building "Nano-Bio Korea". The Nanotechnology Development Program will work on core research in nano-materials, electronic devices based on the miniaturization technology, computer memories and molecular-logic devices. The remarkable increase in funding over the previous years was a result of the Korean government's continued recognition of the importance of nano-technology. As a result, the National NanoFab Center (www.nnfc.com) was constructed in December 2004. An amount of KRW 5.7 billion has been allocated for four projects in 2006. The Biotechnology Development Program aims to make Korea a high-level biotechnology power on the international scale to the same level as Korea's IT economy. The Korean Government formulated "Biotech 2000," which is the basic plan for the development of biotechnology. The plan was put into action under the co-sponsorship of seven government ministries including MOST. Through the plan, Korea aims to attain technological competitiveness in the areas of biotechnology, with a view to joining the ranks of the G-7 by the year 2010. MOST allocated KRW 47.6 billion for 33 projects in 2006.

The Space Technology Development Program, which spans from 1996 to 2015, aims to acquire core and fundamental technologies for peaceful utilization in space. The government has successfully launched one scientific and two multi-purpose satellites under the program. Korea Telecom has also launched three geo-stationary communication satellites. Currently, two multi-purpose satellites, two scientific satellites and one communication/marine/meteorological satellite are under development. The national strategy also includes the construction of a space center with launch facility, development of a space launch vehicle, the first Korean astronaut program, and participation in the Galileo project. Korea successfully launched a 13-ton class liquid fuel sounding rocket in 2003 and expects to launch its first satellite from its own center in 2007 utilizing an indigenous launch vehicle. Korea plans to launch 11 satellites by the year 2014. The total budget for the space development program in 2006 is KRW 250 billion for seven projects.

Atomic Energy R&D Program: Korea has invested KRW 1.86 trillion into this program during the period of 1992-2005 for the research and development of future nuclear reactor, proton accelerator, nuclear fusion, nuclear fuel, nuclear safety, radio-active therapy and radioactive wastes management technologies. The Korean Government has budgeted KRW188.7 billion for the program for 2006. As natural energy resources are scarce in Korea, it is essential for the country to develop alternative energy sources and to increase energy efficiency. An estimated 41% of Korea's energy comes from atomic sources; hence nuclear science and engineering have been a major focus. Korea would also like to develop basic technology for fuel cell and fuel cell vehicles by 2010. Superconductivity and super-thin-film solar battery projects are also receiving attention. Korea will also begin developing a hydrogen production system using atomic energy from 2006.

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Korea: S&T Collaboration Opportunities for Canada

Canada and Korea entered into An Arrangement on Science and Technology Cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Korea on July 5, 2002.

Canada and Korea rely extensively on international exchanges and cooperation for economic and S&T development. More than 18% of Canada's R&D expenditures are financed by foreign sources, and out of more than 24,000 scientific publications by Canadians in 2000, about 40% were produced in partnership with scientists in other countries.

Korea also is one of the most international trade-oriented economies, and the country derives more than one third of its GDP from international trade, and pays about three billion dollars each year as royalty for technologies imported from foreign sources. As is the case in Canada, about 30% of Korea's SCI publications are internationally co-authored.

As is evident, international cooperation is important for both Korea and Canada. Canada and Korea have much to offer each other for mutually beneficial cooperation in science and technology. Based on a Canada-Korea joint study completed in October 2004, the following technologies have been identified as being priority areas for cooperation:

• Health and Bio-molecular Sciences; proteomics and genomics, stem cell research, infectious diseases, and neurosciences
• Information and Communications Technology; advanced multimedia broadcasting for mobile reception, digital television, and radio technologies
• Material Science and Catalysis; bio-nanotechnology, fuel cell technology, and new materials.

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Other areas having cooperative potential include environmental technology to respond to pollution concerns (air, water, waste management), mechatronics as a basis for scientific developments in other fields (nanotechnology, robotics), and aerospace (space science/aviation).

Korea depends very much on foreign institutions for advanced education of its young scientists and engineers: the majority of the leading scientists and engineers in Korea received their graduate training from universities in the United States, Canada or other advanced countries. Research trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) comprise the essential glue that holds long-distance collaboration together: eager to learn about new techniques, curious about other cultures, they are more mobile than established researchers who often have administrative or other responsibilities that tie them to their home institutions. It is important, therefore, that there are opportunities for trainees from both sides to work in the laboratories of collaborators in the other country.

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S&T Policy Directions in 2006

• realize a knowledge, information, and intelligence-based society,
• pursue a society that focuses on a healthy life,
• realize a sustainable society,
• realize a value-creating industrial structure, and,
• enhance national security and prestige.

In September 1999, the Korean Government launched a long-term strategic initiative, the Long-term Vision for Science and Technology Development toward 2025 (or Vision 2025). Vision 2025 is a series of 40 tasks and 20 recommendations designed to guide the transition to an advanced and prosperous economy through the development of science and technology. The goals are grouped in three time frames spanning a 25-year period. Each time frame is defined by a unifying theme that characterizes the primary focus of activity for that period.

• First Step (by 2005): Place the Korean scientific and technological capabilities at competitive levels with those of the world's leading countries by mobilizing resources, expanding industrialized infrastructure, and improving relevant laws and regulations.
• Second Step (by 2015): Stand out as a major R&D promoting country in the Asia-Pacific region, actively engaging in scientific studies and creating a new atmosphere conducive to the promotion of R&D.
• Third Step (by 2025): Secure a scientific and technological competitiveness in selected areas comparable to those of G-7 countries.

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• shifting the innovation system from a government-led to a private sector-led one,
• improving the effectiveness of national R&D investment,
• aligning the R&D system from a domestic to a global network, and
• meeting the challenges of the information technology and biotechnology revolution.

• Invest in S&T development on the principle of "selection and concentration"
• Make the best use of the creativity of scientists and engineers
• Link the domestic innovation system to the global system
• Enhance public understanding of and interests in S&T
• Efficient use of R&D resources

The Korean government set up a National Technology Road Map (NTRM), which describes target technologies and timetables for development, and their anticipated effects. The NTRM will be updated periodically to take into consideration changes taking place in science and technology.

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R&D Budget for 2006

Total Korean R&D expenditure in 2004 was KRW 28.3 trillion, showing an increase of 13.2% from the KRW 25 trillion spent in the previous year. The proportion of R&D expenditure to GDP was 2.85%, up 0.22% in 2003. Per capita R&D expenditures in 2004 were KRW 588,000 (US$ 511). The national government and public sector provided about 25 percent of the total R&D funding in Korea in 2004, down by 1% point from previous year. The private sector financed the remaining 75%, up by 1% point from previous year. Research institutes spent 13.4% of total R&D funds, while universities and colleges disbursed 9.9%, and companies expended 76.7%.

For 2006, the Korean government announced that 4.05%, or KRW 8.97 trillion, of the federal budget would be the public sector's contribution to R&D. This is an increase of 15% from the previous year. The overall Korean R&D expenditure is forecasted to be KRW 35 trillion in 2006.

The Korean science-based ministries have spent KRW 3.29 trillion in 2004 on six important selected technologies: KRW 1.37 trillion for information technology, KRW 771.7 billion for bio-technology, KRW 546.8 billion for environmental technology, KRW 255 billion for space technology, KRW 304.1 billion for nanotechnology, and KRW 53.1 billion for cultural technology. This does not include private sector expenditures.

The following table shows R&D budgets by major government ministries:

MOST is the largest financial contributor to R&D within the public sector with KRW 2.12 trillion, followed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) with KRW 2.0 trillion and the Ministry of National Defence (MND) with KRW 1.1 trillion.

MOST plans to spend KRW 9 billion from the Science and Technology Promotion Fund to help facilitate international joint research projects in 2006.

The following table shows MOST's major R&D related budgets:

S&T Organizations in 2006

The structure of the S&T system in Korea is a bit convoluted and the government is trying to streamline the entire system to make it more effective.

In order to set priorities for the allocation of S&T budgets, and to effectively review and coordinate national S&T policies and R&D programs, the government established the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC: www.nstc.go.kr) in January 1999. The NSTC is chaired by the President of the Republic of Korea and deputy chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Science and Technology, and is composed of 13 Ministers of S&T-related Ministries and 9 representatives from the S&T community. The NSTC holds ultimate power over the coordination of R&D programs and budgets within Korea. MOST serves as the secretariat for the NSTC through its newly established Office of Science and Technology Innovation (OSTI) taking the responsibility for the overall management and coordination of S&T policies, national R&D projects, industry and human resources policies related to S&T innovations, and regional technology innovation policies.

The OSTI, headed by a Vice Minister, will focus on

• forming R&D system in S&T in preparation for the future,
• promoting efficient investment and budget allocation,
• supporting development of future growth engine industries,
• developing a realistic long-term plan for a national R&D program, and,
• developing human resources in S&T and activate regional S&T.

A second advisory board, the Presidential Council on Science and Technology (PCST), is primarily comprised of non-governmental scientific experts and corporate leaders representing various areas of science and technology. In the past the PCST was irrelevant to the centrally controlled, government-driven central planning exercise. Currently, however, it is becoming more important as the government loosens its grip on the planning process. The government would like to have scientific policy satisfy more of the private sector's needs and is accordingly more open to that sector's views.

MOST is responsible for implementing the national coordination of S&T efforts within the country. This includes R&D initiatives, human resource development and education, internationalization policies, as well as coordinating activities amongst the science based Ministries and government-supported research institutes. MOST oversees compliance with the various national initiatives. The Science and Technology Framework Law (No. 7218) implemented in September 2004 consolidated the authority for inter-ministerial S&T policy and R&D coordination within MOST to help establish an institutional system that would foster an innovation-driven culture in Korean society. The new law contains important provisions for the establishment of policies and plans for the overall support mechanism for related R&D projects and agencies. It also replaces the basic laws covering systematic S&T promotion and education at the national level.

MOST is also responsible for Centers of Excellence (COE) in Korea: Science Research Centers (SRCs), Engineering Research Centers (ERCs), Medical Science and Engineering Research Centers (MRCs), and National Core Research Centers (NCRCs). These COEs were created to implement programs encouraging basic research in major universities. The SRCs and ERCs, founded in May 1990, focus on innovative research in basic sciences and new technologies, while the MRCs, which started in 2002, emphasize research in physiology, diagnostics, treatment, public health, neurology, and psychology. The NCRCs started from 2003 and currently have research centers on nano-application, environment & biotechnology, bio-dynamics, and nano-medical systems. The SRCs and ERCs are selected on the basis of creativity and research capability. MRCs are selected from medical schools and funded in three phases. NCRCs are selected to promote future-oriented S&T fusion researches. Once the centers are selected, they receive government funding for five to nine years provided that the interim evaluations show good progress. In 2006, MOST plans to fund 65 SRCs/ERCs (up to KRW 980 million per year per center), 18 MRCs (up to KRW 1 billion), and 6 NCRCs (up to KRW 2 billion).

In order to produce scientists and engineers of top quality, it is critical to transform the current teaching-oriented universities into research-oriented universities. To stimulate such a transformation, the government is providing financial support to those universities with excellent research performance. Many of the major universities in Korea have responded to the government policy by preparing and launching various reform programs that are anticipated to bring about drastic changes in university education in Korea.

The Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) serves as a good example for the kind of research-oriented university that Korea pursues. KAIST was established by the Korean Government in 1971 for producing world-class, quality engineers. Since its inception, KAIST has been receiving preferential funding from the government, and has been able to recruit the nation's best students. No less important, however, is its research performance record, which attracts abundant industrial research funds. Based on the KAIST model, the government founded the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in 1995 and has recently established Daegu-Gyungbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in 2004 to promote balanced regional development. Likewise, the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) was founded with similar aims by the Pohang Steel Corporation in 1986. POSTECH represents the first private sector initiative of its kind in Korea.

It is worth emphasizing that almost three quarters of Korea's R&D expenditure comes from the private sector including the massive private R&D institutes operating relatively independently from their parent companies, i.e. LG-Elite and the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, which employ thousands of scientists and engineers. Many of Korea's large corporations (e.g. KT Corp., SK Group, Hyundai Motors, Hynix) also have significant internal R&D centres based within their prime business units. SK Telecom and SK Chemical, for example, have specialized R&D operations in various centers across Korea.

Falling under the NSTC, there are three S&T-related research councils that oversee the operation of the Government-supported Research Institutes (GRIs) - the Research Council for Industrial Science and Technology, the Research Council for Public Technology, and the Research Council of Fundamental Science and Technology. This new system is expected to improve research productivity, strengthen linkages between institutes, and to increase transfer and commercialization of research results. However, ten GRIs still remain directly under MOST to support or carry out specific duties relative to the Ministry's mandate.

International S&T Activities

Korea has accomplished considerable S&T development through international linkages. In the past most of the relationships with foreign partners were limited to technological imports or assistance of reciprocal nature. Partnerships were limited to such advanced countries as the United States, Japan and several European countries. However, as a newly industrialized country, Korea now recognizes the need for a new approach to international cooperation. Korea is seeking a more prominent role in the international S&T community, and is actively pursuing both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

As of 2005, Korea has signed 44 intergovernmental agreements ranging from Joint Cooperation Committees involving joint research funds, to overseas cooperation centres or exchanges of S&T missions and scientists. Korea has Science & Technology Counsellors in eight countries (United States, Japan, Austria, Germany, Russia, China, United Kingdom and OECD). Separate Nuclear Cooperation Agreements have been signed with 18 countries including Canada. Under the auspices of the International Cooperation Program office of MOST, Korea entered into 138 S&T Cooperation Agreements in 2005. These are 107 bilateral R&D projects and 19 multilateral R&D projects. 12 joint R&D Centres have been opened in the United States, China, Russia, Mongolia, and Hungary.

1) Bilateral Cooperation:

In general, bilateral cooperation with foreign countries is based on an inter-governmental S&T cooperation agreement. Korea has concluded such agreements with forty-four countries, as listed in the table below.

Following is the recent bilateral cooperative activities with some of the countries:

United States of America: As a part of the Korea-U.S. S&T Agreement signed in 1976, a wide range of joint research projects as well as exchanges of scientists and engineers have been carried out. The agreement as amended in 1999 stipulates the allocation of intellectual property rights resulting from joint research and strengthens the protection of intellectual property rights through mutual cooperation. The Korea-U.S. Joint Committee on S&T has been held every two years since 1993. The Korea-U.S. Special Cooperative Program in S&T, which was jointly created in 1995 by the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States, has also been used to promote the exchange of scientists and engineers, as well as joint seminars. The Korea-U.S. S&T Cooperation Forum, held every year since 1993, expedites joint cooperation. Both sides also agreed to initiate a new joint nanotechnology forum at the 5th Joint Committee meeting held in October 2002 in Seoul. In 2003 and 2005, the Korea-U.S. Nano-Forum took place in Seoul and L.A respectively. The Korean government also carries out S&T cooperation with individual state governments as well as the U.S. federal government.

United Kingdom: Korea-United Kingdom S&T cooperation has been conducted on the auspices of the Korea-United Kingdom S&T Cooperation Agreement of 1985. Since 1996, both countries have held annual meeting of the UK-Korea S&T Joint Commission, which has greatly contributed to the promotion of S&T cooperation between the two countries. Both sides have conducted various collaborative activities such as the joint research Focal Point Program for networking among scientists of two countries, and joint scholarship programs.

Japan: Korea's S&T policy relationship with Japan has been geared to redressing the trade imbalance with Japan through technology cooperation since the early days of the relationship. Therefore, the focus has been on promoting and encouraging cooperation in such areas as machine parts and materials, which are the main sources of the trade imbalance. In order to facilitate bilateral technology cooperation and to help correct the trade imbalance, the two countries set up the Korea-Japan S&T Cooperation Committee based on the Korea-Japan S&T Cooperation Agreement signed in 1985. This Committee facilitates the exchange of scientists, joint research, and other forms of scientific interaction between the two countries. For policy dialogue, the two countries have been holding the Korea-Japan S&T Forum every year since 1999. The Korea-Japan Special Cooperative Program in S&T between KOSEF and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) provides funding on joint researches and also promotes joint seminars.

China: Under the provision of Korea-China S&T Cooperation Agreement signed in 1992 a variety of cooperative activities such as the exchange of various technological survey, as well as scientific and engineering teams, post-doctoral training programs, and joint research projects have been undertaken. S&T exchange between the two nations is active and continuously expanding into new areas. China is one of Korea's most active S&T partners. The Korea-China Special Cooperative Program in S&T between KOSEF and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China has also been used to promote the exchange of scientists and engineers, and joint research and seminars.

France: With the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation concluded in 1981, a Korea-France S&T Joint Committee Meeting has been held regularly since 2002 independent of the existing Korea-France Cultural and Technical Joint Committee Meeting. Recently, Korea and France operated Focal Points conducting the exchange of scientists and technical survey missions as well as holding joint seminars and workshops to promote cooperation in the bioengineering, new resources, information and communications and basic science fields.

Germany: The Korea-Germany S&T Cooperation Agreement, concluded in 1986, promoted cooperative activities in high-tech fields such as new materials, laser technology, and automation. In order to strengthen cooperation between their private sectors, Korea and Germany established the Korea-German Non-Governmental Committee on Science and Technology in 1997, and it has been held for three consecutive years (1997-1999). Recently both sides agreed to establish the Korea-Germany Committee on Cooperation in Education, Research and Technology, attended by non-governmental groups and government officials from both sides. The 1st Committee was held in December 2003. The Korea-Germany Special Cooperative Programs in S&T between KOSEF and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), Alaxander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), and Max-Plank Gesellschaft (MPG) promote the exchange of scientists and engineers, and joint research and seminars.

Russia: Since the signing of the Korea-Russia S&T Cooperation Agreement in 1990, S&T cooperation between the two countries has been actively promoted through the exchange of scientists, joint research projects, and technology exhibitions. Moreover, the establishment of joint research centres in Russia in such areas as aerospace, material, energy, and optics has greatly increased. Recently, the scientist exchange program has been expanded to meet the increasing demand for research collaboration. These cooperative activities have been reviewed by the Korea-Russia Joint Committee on S&T Cooperation and have encouraged contacts between scientists and specialists of the two countries. Several hundred Russia scientists are working at institutes in Korea.

Italy: Korea has promoted its cooperation with Italy in S&T since the conclusion of an intergovernmental agreement on S&T cooperation in 1984. Both governments held the Korea-Italy S&T Forum and the 7th Joint Commission on S&T Cooperation in September 2003, and agreed to work out a variety of measures to foster mutual cooperation among academia, industry and research institutes of both countries.

Israel: Since the conclusion of the Korea-Israel S&T Cooperation Agreement in 1994, four S&T Joint Committees and four Minister's meetings have been held so far. Based on the MOU between Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) and Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), researchers of each institute are conducting state of the art researches through exchange visits. Recently, Korea has been advancing its S&T cooperation with Israel, specifically in nanotechnology.

Switzerland: Since the inception of the MOU in 1995, two countries have convened regular "S&T Round Table" meetings to forge cooperative networks in the field of S&T. The Swiss-Korea Outstanding Research Efforts Award (SKORE-A) program established in 2000 is to facilitate joint research projects by presenting awards to each potential research team to enhance S&T cooperation, and regular Korea-Swiss S&T Forums and personnel exchanges are under their way to the effect of more solid S&T cooperation between the two countries.

Canada: Canada-Korea S&T cooperation has been very active at the institutional level. More than 44 institutional level Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), collaboration agreements and/or Letter of Intent (LOIs) with partners in Korea were in place for collaborations and exchanges. On July 5, 2002, Canada and Korea entered into An Arrangement on Science and Technology Cooperation between the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Canada and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Republic of Korea.

The first Canada-Korea Consultation Meeting was held in October 2003 in Seoul. Both parties discussed cooperative venues including joint policy research, scientist exchange, and forums or workshops in the area of biotechnology (BT), space technology (ST) and nanotechnology (NT). The Canada-Korea Joint Study on S&T Cooperation commissioned by both parties as discussed during the first meeting was completed in October 2004. The second meeting is to be held in May 2006 and the topics of discussion will be concerned with the recommendations contained in the study.

2) MOST International Joint Research Program:

Joint research projects have been implemented mainly through the International Joint Research Programs. The major partner countries have been the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, China, Germany, and Russia. Recently, the scope of partners has diversified and the nature of projects under the program has changed.

The International Joint Research Program of MOST, started in 1985, has served as a major source of funding support for international joint research projects initiated through bilateral, inter-governmental and inter-institutional agreements. Thus far, the program has funded 1,896 joint projects. The international joint projects have been small in scale, and have been used more as a means to facilitate international scientific interactions i.e. as scientific exchanges rather than as projects for serious research and development.

3) Multilateral Cooperation

In order to contribute to international efforts for the advancement of science and technology and to solve the issues of global concern such as climate change, global warming, and acid rain, Korea has been actively participating in international S&T activities of multilateral international and regional organizations, especially, the OECD and APEC.

APEC: As a founding member, Korea seeks active regional S&T cooperation through its activities at various APEC forums, such as the Industrial Science and Technology Working Group, Marine Resources Working Group, and Human Resources Development Working Group. Korea hosted the second APEC Minister's Conference on Regional Cooperation in S&T in 1996. Korea also hosted the First APEC Science Youth Festival in August 1998. In addition, Korea is currently implementing the APEC S&T Network Program, which aims at promoting scientific exchange through R&D management training, information sharing, and the sharing of research facilities. Starting in 2002, Korea has the role of the Shepherd of the Industrial Science and Technology Working Group (ISTWG).

OECD: Korea joined the OECD in 1996, and joined the OECD Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP) in 1994. Since then, Korea has been actively involved in OECD science and technology programs. Korea hosted the OECD Seoul Conference on "Facilitating International Technology Cooperation in Knowledge Based Economy" in 1997. Korea also coordinated a focus group on "National Innovations Systems in Catching-up Economies" under the OECD/CSTP NIS Program. Recently, Korea hosted the OECD Seoul Conference on "Roles and Activities in International S&T Cooperation for Sustainable Development" in 2000. Korea is to host the 88th CSTP meeting in Seoul in October 2006.

ISTC:Korea joined the governing board of the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) in May 1998. As per the agreement and other regulations, Korea has taken part in international efforts to support the research projects of weapons scientists and engineers of the Russian Federation for peaceful purposes. Korea has actively participated in all of the activities of the ISTC, supporting research projects and sharing the ISTC administrative budget. Korea has maintained close and cooperative ties with all ISTC members, including the USA, Japan, EU, Russia, and Norway. The government also dispatched staff to support ISTC Secretariats.

EU: Since the conclusion of the Arrangement on S&T Co-operation in 1992, five S&T Joint Seminars have been held, and Korea-EU scientists and students have been exchanged between two parties. Since 1996, Korea has stationed officials in the Joint Research Center (JRC) and the European Commission to get first-hand experience on EU's advanced S&T system and to find ways to enhance cooperation. In addition, Korea also participated in the EU contest for Young Scientists since 1997. In 2003, Korea and EU laid a solid foundation through a Korea-EU S&T Ministerial meeting held on May 16 and the Korea's participation in the ITER project on May 30 to participate in the 6th EU Framework Program, and to sign the S&T cooperation agreement with the EU.

Inter-Korean Cooperation: The summit meeting between South and North Korea held in Pyongyang in June 2000 has opened a new era for S&T cooperation. The main objective for inter-Korean S&T cooperation is to facilitate co-economic development. A short-term objective is assistance by South Korea into North Korea for solving such difficulties as food and energy shortage. In the long terms, R&D cooperation is expected to improve S&T capabilities for both Koreas and enhance economic benefits. MOST is now conducting eleven R&D projects, under the agreements of research institutes in South and North Korea since 1998. In the near future, an official channel for S&T should be established for systematic and effective implementation.

Canada's Science and Technology Officer in Korea

Mr. Sangmyun Kim
Trade Commissioner
Canadian Embassy in Korea
9th floor, Kolon Bldg
45, Mukyo-dong, Chung-gu
Seoul, 100-772, Korea
Tel: (011-82-2) 3455-6062
Fax: (011-82-2) 755-0686
E-Mail: sangmyun.kim@international.gc.ca

Biography:

Based in the Canadian Embassy in Seoul, Sangmyun Kim is a Trade Commissioner responsible for the information technologies and communications (ICT), advanced materials, advanced manufacturing technologies, and space sector in Korea. In addition, Sangmyun also acts as the point person for the Embassy in science and technology area. Bilingual in English and Korean, Sangmyun Kim joined the Canadian Embassy, Seoul in 1985, and has worked in a variety of areas, focusing on the information technology sector. He has extensive experience in telecommunications, electrical equipment, electronics, advanced manufacturing, space technologies, instrumentation and science and technology. Sangmyun Kim, majored in electrical engineering, worked as a senior electrical engineer for two Korean construction firms and was involved in several projects in Middle East and Guam from 1977 to 1984.