Minister Choi Ki-young: "Steady R&D, the Cornerstone of COVID-19 Emergency Response"

Minister of Science and ICT Choi Ki-young (right) is giving opening remarks on the 1st at the Seoul Government Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye to discuss cooperation on establishing a remote education infrastructure. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] "Because we have consistently invested in research and development, we were able to respond urgently as we have now."

On the 7th, Choi Ki-young, Minister of Science and ICT, held a meeting with heads of scientific and technological institutions to discuss measures for economic revitalization through overcoming the crisis caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and innovation in science and technology. He stated, "Among the five companies that received emergency use authorization for diagnostic kits, four companies were supported by government research funds."

He said, "At this difficult time for all citizens due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the government will support the development of core technologies such as drug repurposing and AI-based early prediction to ensure that treatments and vaccines can be developed as soon as possible."

The attendees shared the current status and plans of each institution's activities in overcoming infectious diseases and responding to the economic crisis.

Lee Woo-il, President of the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies, introduced the formation of a 'Special Science and Technology Volunteer Group' that supports technical difficulties of local small and medium enterprises and promotes public communication activities based on scientific facts.

Shin Sung-chul, President of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), proposed a plan for the 'COVID-19 Response Science and Technology New Deal Project' aimed at building a modular mobile treatment system for infection control. He also announced plans to operate a 'Global Technology Support Group' to assist domestic companies in localizing quarantine supplies technology.

Kim Ki-seon, President of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), announced plans to promote a fast-track project for rapid commercialization technology development in cooperation with Gwangju Metropolitan City. Kook Yang, President of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), said he plans to expand technology management support from university-affiliated professors and students to local companies. Lee Yong-hoon, President of the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, mentioned the promotion of 'AI-based smart industrial city transformation' of traditional industries to overcome the stagnation of regional key industries.

Han Min-gu, President of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, raised issues regarding the decline in employment rates of postdoctoral researchers at regional universities and career interruptions of female scientists and engineers, suggesting the need for measures to address these problems.

Minister Choi stated, "Although we have faced several difficult crises in the past, just as science and technology have built today's Republic of Korea, based on today's discussions, we will unite with the science and technology community to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and achieve economic re-advancement."