[Ministry of Science and ICT Work Plan] Focus on Overcoming COVID-19... Accelerating South Korea's 'Great Transformation'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The government's decision to focus all scientific and ICT capabilities this year on the early overcoming of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is interpreted as the starting point of the ‘Great Transformation of the Republic of Korea’ that will open a new century.

The plan is to secure a three-part set of diagnostic kits, therapeutics, and vaccines developed with domestic technology to achieve the shortest possible end to the pandemic, while accelerating the digital transformation of the economy and society based on the so-called D.N.A (Digital, Network, AI). The government will also intensify efforts in future technological innovations such as carbon neutrality, which is recognized worldwide as a common goal for humanity.

◆Overcoming COVID-19, the Start of a Great Transformation

The 2021 work plan announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 20th centers on four core strategies: ▲full-scale response for early overcoming of COVID-19 ▲acceleration of digital transformation through the Digital New Deal ▲scientific and technological innovation pioneering the future ▲realization of an inclusive society that is safe and shared by all. This marks the beginning of the so-called great transformation, with scientific and technological innovation and the Digital New Deal as its main pillars. It also aligns with the message of recovery, inclusion, and leap forward revealed by President Moon Jae-in in his 2021 New Year's address.

In particular, the government noted that countries around the world are striving to protect their citizens and lead changes in economic and social structures amid the COVID-19 threat and economic crisis. Jeong Byeong-seon, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "In 2021, we will overcome the COVID-19 crisis early through science, technology, and ICT," adding, "While putting all efforts into K-quarantine, we will promote a great transformation into a leading country where innovation and inclusion coexist through the Korean New Deal that opens a new century."

Regarding the early end of COVID-19, the most notable part is the plan to secure a three-part set of rapid diagnostic kits, therapeutics, and vaccines developed with domestic technology. Apart from importing already released foreign vaccines, the government’s policy is to fully develop domestic vaccines. Vice Minister Jeong explained, "We believe domestic vaccines will be necessary if COVID-19 recurs annually or if another pandemic occurs in the future," adding, "At the very least, by next year, we will ensure that citizens can be vaccinated with vaccines developed in Korea."

The semiconductor diagnostic kit, which is expected to be the world's first commercialized product soon, can diagnose within 3 minutes using only saliva, with a sensitivity of 95%. The government aims to secure the domestic quarantine response while also capturing the global market through commercialization. The modular negative pressure ward, currently in pilot operation, is expected to solve the shortage of beds for severe patients once commercialized. The modular package can also be transported by air, raising expectations for exports and overseas support.

◆Accelerating the Great Transformation through the Digital New Deal

The Digital New Deal, promoted as a post-COVID-19 measure, is evaluated as a key strategy for becoming a leading country in the future. The core of this Digital New Deal is the so-called D.N.A, summarized as data, network, and artificial intelligence (AI). The government judged that major countries are expanding investments to capture the accelerated digital economy and non-face-to-face industries after the pandemic, and has decided to invest 58.2 trillion won (44.8 trillion won in national funds) in the Digital New Deal by 2025.

This year, to enable more people to utilize diverse data, 150 types of AI training data, 6 big data platforms, and 30 big data centers will be newly established. The government will also launch the second phase (2021?2024) of the Doctor Answer project, which provides precise diagnosis of 12 diseases including lung cancer based on AI technology. The 5G network, known as the data highway, will be built more densely, and development of core technologies for the future 6G network will be actively pursued. Additionally, the government plans to legislate the ‘three digital transformation laws’?the Basic Data Act, the Digital Jiphyeonjeon Act, and the Digital Inclusion Act?within the first half of the year.

Securing science and technology for carbon neutrality and the opening of the space age is also considered a major task for becoming a leading country. The government judged that social inequality will deepen as vulnerable groups suffer concentrated damage due to COVID-19, and will accelerate efforts to expand digital safety nets. Minister Choi Ki-young emphasized, "This year, the Ministry of Science and ICT will make 2021 a year of recovery, inclusion, and leap forward through innovation in science, technology, and ICT."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.