South Korea will operate strategic research and development (R&D) centers in the United States and Europe to support the country’s participation in global research projects, the science ministry said Friday.

The country will operate five strategic centers in the Americas, three in Europe and two in Asia to enhance its support system for global R&D projects and promote international science cooperation, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The special committee of global R&D under the Presidential Advisory Council on Science & Technology also created comprehensive maps outlining the technological levels of global leaders in 16 core technologies.

The 16 technologies are eight national strategic technologies, which include semiconductors, displays, next-generation communications, cybersecurity and next-generation nuclear power, and eight carbon neutrality technologies, such as eco-friendly vehicles and integrated energy systems.

The findings showed that South Korea ranks third in artificial intelligence semiconductor technology, sixth-generation communications network technology and small modular nuclear reactor technology.

The country ranks fifth in net-zero internal combustion engine technology, fourth in electric vehicle battery technology and second in hydrogen-based reduction iron making technology.

Kim Na Young,S. Korea to operate strategic R&D centers in U.S., Europe: science ministry | Yonhap News Agency, Dec. 6, 2024