[5G+ Strategy] Securing Next-Generation 5G Competitiveness Through Support for 5G Device Development

'2021 5G+ Strategy Implementation Plan’

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] The government is set to secure 5G competitiveness for next-generation smartphones and wearable devices by supporting the entire development cycle of devices, including the development of 5G communication modules and terminals.

On the 26th, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the results of the '4th 5G+ Strategic Committee' meeting, which included these plans. To this end, the Ministry will first support the development of 5G communication modules and terminals to activate business-to-business (B2B) services. The plan is to promote the activation of 5G convergence services by supporting the development and expansion of competitively priced 5G communication modules using domestically produced chipsets and terminals for B2B services.

Additionally, the ministry will assist in the development of core technologies for demand-linked research and development (R&D) and localization of equipment and terminal components. This year, the government plans to invest 14.1 billion KRW in technology development for key strategic items in materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang), as well as future-leading items, to develop devices incorporating new technologies such as 5G and AI.

Starting in April, a digital open lab based on an online and offline platform will be established and operated. The digital open lab project aims to develop and demonstrate innovative devices and services through the convergence of ICT new technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) with heterogeneous fields like transportation and manufacturing. A total of 48 billion KRW will be invested over the next five years, including 4 billion KRW this year.

Support for 5G wearable devices will also continue. With the wearable device technology development project concluding last year, a new device R&D project is planned as a follow-up. Previously, the government supported the market launch of four types of wearable products from small and medium-sized enterprises, including hearable devices capable of hearing protection in noisy environments, and has continued to support technology development for the localization of SoBuJang 5G core strategic items since last year.

The government plans to invest a total of 48 billion KRW from next year through 2026 in a new device development project that integrates AI and 5G, focusing on the continuously growing digital healthcare devices sector.