[Reporter’s Notebook] Can Leading R&D Catch Up with Advanced Competitors?

The presidential office and the Ministry of Science and ICT, among other government bodies, emphasize that national research and development (R&D) must reach the world's highest level. They say we must be leaders, not followers. So, does our current research level and goals meet these standards?

Quantum is one of the nation's 12 strategic technologies and one of the three major game-changing future technologies. Although there is a long way to go, it is a technology that must be secured. President Yoon Suk-yeol also emphasized, "In addition to strengthening investment in the three major future technologies?artificial intelligence, advanced bio, and quantum?we will support R&D budgets and tax benefits as a package."

Overseas companies are already making advances in the quantum field. Recently, Microsoft and Quantinuum declared that they have achieved a new milestone in the quantum computer field. They announced a decisive breakthrough in solving the error problem, which is essential for the commercialization of quantum computers. This announcement attracted worldwide attention. Earlier, IBM also announced the development of a 1000-qubit quantum computer.

Where do we stand? This year, we are investing national funds to develop a 20-qubit quantum computer, and by 2026, a 50-qubit quantum computer. A significant gap has already emerged. It raises doubts about whether world-class R&D can be achieved. Of course, the Ministry of Science and ICT has also applied for a preliminary feasibility study for investing about 1 trillion won to develop a 1000-qubit quantum computer. It has already been a year, but no conclusion has been reached yet. While competitors are running ahead, we are still only dreaming and have not taken action.

The preliminary feasibility study system is designed to increase the efficiency of financial investment and to verify priorities and appropriate investment timing for large-scale budget execution projects. The problem with this system is its lagging nature. In R&D, lagging is a fatal limitation. While we are contemplating investment in quantum, overseas research teams have already moved far ahead.

Now is the time to reconsider the preliminary feasibility study. Although finances are tight and efficiency is important, the study should not become an obstacle to technologies that will determine the nation's future. Even if not a full reform, at least minimal changes are necessary. Ryu Gwang-jun, head of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT, expressed hope, saying, "I want to apply contingency funds to R&D as well." Isn't this a form of hopeful torment? Hope is essential for the future.