Nominee Lee Jong-ho for Minister of Science and ICT Faces Confirmation Hearing... "Redesigning the Science and Technology System"

Minister of Science and ICT nominee Lee Jong-ho is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 3rd, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Lee Jong-ho, nominee for Minister of Science and ICT, announced plans to redesign the science and technology system through expanded private sector participation, establish a position as a science and technology powerhouse by securing super-gap technologies and strengthening basic research, and realize a digital platform government.

Lee made these remarks during his opening statement at the confirmation hearing held on the morning of the 3rd at the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Communications Committee. Lee first stated, "I will redesign the national technology system for future national innovation," adding, "Above all, I will expand private sector participation throughout the policy process through a full-scale transition to a system led by the private sector and supported by the government." In this regard, President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol has promised to expand private sector participation in policy decision-making by establishing a joint public-private science and technology committee. Regarding research and development (R&D), Lee said he would promote mission-oriented, problem-solving, and open R&D and improve the evaluation system to achieve a balance between challenging and creative research and practical and commercialized research.

Lee also stated that he would secure super-gap technologies in key fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and bio, and establish the country as a science and technology powerhouse by strengthening basic research. He said he would promote the leap to a global digital powerhouse through public-private cooperation, support the realization of a digital platform government, fully implement digital innovation across the nation and society, and strengthen the cyber security response system. Regarding the broadcasting and telecommunications sector, he said, "We will prioritize the convenience of the people and respond in a balanced manner by collecting opinions from various stakeholders."

Lee said, "In this era of hyperconnectivity and hyperacceleration, the mission entrusted to the Ministry of Science and ICT is to unite the capabilities of the public and private sectors to innovate our science, technology, and ICT once again, and through this, to proactively respond to the competition for technological hegemony and the digital transformation, thereby strengthening national competitiveness and improving the quality of life for the people." He added, "If given the opportunity, I will always maintain a humble attitude and do my best to fulfill my role by constantly communicating with all related parties."