Securing Next-Generation Secondary Battery Strategic Technologies... Industry, Academia, Research, and Government United

Ministry of Science and ICT Holds 1st National Strategic Technology Forum

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 5th that it held the '1st National Strategic Technology Forum' to explore the national research and development direction in the secondary battery sector and discuss ways to strengthen collaboration among industry, academia, research institutes, and government. Secondary batteries were selected as one of the 'National Strategic Technology Projects' that the government should intensively support in the next-generation secondary battery development project at the National Strategic Technology Special Committee on the 4th.

South Korea holds global competitiveness in the secondary battery market, but competition with major advanced countries is intensifying over securing the next-generation secondary battery market amid recent supply chain issues. The government judged that it is necessary to consolidate capabilities at the national level and provide active support to maintain leadership.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Planning and Evaluation presented on 'Domestic and International R&D Policies and Investment Trends in the Secondary Battery Sector.' It introduced domestic secondary battery-related R&D policies and investment status, major countries' policy status and outlook such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and explained implications for the government and companies. Subsequently, four major government-funded research institutes conducting secondary battery research?the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Energy Research, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, and Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute?each presented their key research achievements related to secondary batteries and their future research plans.

In an expert discussion chaired by Professor Seonyang Kwon of Hanyang University, participants included Professor Jangwook Choi of Seoul National University, Vice President Youngjun Shin of LG Energy Solution, Vice President Ikgyu Choi of Samsung SDI, and Vice President Jangwon Lee of SK On. They discussed the direction of national R&D to secure strategic technologies in the secondary battery field and the challenges faced in research and industrial sites.

Vice President Youngjun Shin of LG Energy Solution said, "The industry is currently focusing on next-generation technology development for commercialization, such as all-solid-state batteries. If long-term research by academia and research institutes, government support for basic research, and human resource development are backed, great synergy can be achieved." He added, "Industry, academia, research institutes, and government must fulfill their roles to further enhance the global competitiveness of South Korea's secondary battery industry."

Vice President Ikgyu Choi of Samsung SDI emphasized, "Through systematic technology analysis, R&D strategies should be established separately for technologies challenging the limits of lithium-ion batteries (Ultimate LIB) and technologies overcoming the limitations of lithium-ion batteries (Beyond LIB)." He also stressed, "National efforts to nurture specialized secondary battery personnel are important."

Vice President Jangwon Lee of SK On stated, "As major countries such as the U.S., Europe, and China support their battery industries through battery policies and regulations, government-level initiatives such as expanding R&D tax credits and support policies for small and medium-sized enterprises should be promoted to ensure the sound growth of South Korea's battery technology and ecosystem."

Jungchang Joo, Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "To build competitiveness using limited resources and capabilities, including in the secondary battery sector, industry, academia, research institutes, and government must ultimately become 'one team' and focus all efforts on securing strategic technologies." He added, "The National Strategic Technology Special Committee, which reviews, oversees, and coordinates overall national strategic technology policies with top private experts and economic and security ministries, officially launched and began operating on April 4, and will provide national-level support for the secondary battery sector as well."

The 'National Strategic Technology Forum' is a platform where top experts in relevant fields gather to explore directions for fostering strategic technologies at the national level, based on the consensus that science and technology are directly linked not only to economic growth but also to national defense and security, which are vital to South Korea's survival. Starting with the secondary battery sector, forums will be held for each major strategic technology field. Topics raised at each National Strategic Technology Forum that require more in-depth discussion will be connected and operated as roundtable discussions.