Yoon Holds Roundtable Discussion with Kishida at Stanford University
President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 17th (local time) that "the trilateral cooperation between Korea, the U.S., and Japan in fundamental and advanced technology sectors will be strengthened." In particular, cooperation with Japan will focus on startups and the hydrogen sector.
On the same day, President Yoon, who visited San Francisco, USA, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, held a roundtable discussion with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. The two leaders also held their seventh summit meeting of the year the previous day. The Stanford University discussion was held on the theme of advanced technology cooperation among Korea, Japan, and the U.S. Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice served as the moderator.
President Yoon emphasized that "fundamental technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital and quantum science technologies, and 6G are game changers that will trigger innovation in all industries and social systems, changing the future of humanity," highlighting the trilateral cooperation agreement reached at the Camp David summit in August to develop the three-nation cooperation into a 'comprehensive cooperative framework.'
President Yoon particularly stated, "To this end, we plan to significantly expand the budget for global joint research support next year and make the budget execution flexible so that we can respond at any time to technological cooperation with countries that share our values," adding, "The three countries will immediately begin discussions to identify and promote joint projects in fundamental advanced technology fields." Regarding bridging the digital divide, he also mentioned, "Korea, the U.S., and Japan must work together."
The two leaders agreed to explore cooperation in the startup and hydrogen sectors. During the discussion, President Yoon said, "Innovation knows no borders. Korea announced the Startup Korea strategy last August," adding, "We are promoting borderless startup support. Regardless of nationality or the startup’s location, we will support the founding and growth of talented individuals who dream of innovation." He further explained, "Since the competitiveness of startups in Korea and Japan is excellent, I expect great synergy if the solidarity and cooperation between the two countries expand." The Korean government plans to open the Korea Startup Center in Tokyo early next year to establish a hub for exchanges between the two countries.
The background for pursuing hydrogen cooperation lies in the potential for collaboration between the two countries. Currently, Korea ranks overwhelmingly first in the world in the utilization of hydrogen vehicles and fuel cells for power generation, while Japan is a technologically advanced country holding the most hydrogen-related patents. According to the presidential office, both countries face a shortage of clean hydrogen production capacity, and cooperation projects for joint production in third countries such as Australia and the Middle East are being actively pursued by private companies. There is also great potential for technological cooperation in areas such as high-efficiency water electrolysis technology.
President Yoon’s participation in the roundtable was made possible at Japan’s proposal. Prime Minister Kishida has presented human investment, technological innovation, green and digital transformation, and startup cultivation as four major strategic areas for economic recovery and is strongly driving these initiatives. Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, evaluated in a local briefing, "This roundtable served as an opportunity to further strengthen the deep friendship between the Korean and Japanese leaders while also reinforcing the momentum for trilateral cooperation among Korea, Japan, and the U.S. in advanced scientific and technological fields, which are future growth engines."
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