[THE VIEW]Even Greater Concerns Over the Outflow of Korean Science and Technology Talent

Musk to Oversee U.S. Government Efficiency Department
Strengthening Commercialization of Science and Technology
Increase Expected in Immigration Visas for High-Level Talent

Former President Donald Trump, upon his return, identified artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, and space science technology development as the nation's core tasks and areas for fostering. He declared that regulations on these industries would be significantly relaxed, and efforts to nurture talent and government support for scientific and technological advancement would be intensified. Furthermore, to promote the efficient development of industrial technology centered around Elon Musk, who has emerged as a kingmaker, a government efficiency department will be established to oversee related policies, ease regulations, and accelerate the commercialization and development of the science and technology industry.

While the previous administration emphasized safe technology, resulting in slower technological growth due to regulations, the Trump administration is expected to greatly ease administrative regulations related to AI and prioritize the autonomy of AI companies. Consequently, concerns have been raised that the outflow of Korea's high-level talent will accelerate. Although the Trump administration has pursued hostile policies toward immigrants, it is anticipated that exceptions will likely be made for highly skilled talent. In fact, Korea had already been experiencing severe talent outflow even before Trump’s tenure, and this policy change is expected to accelerate that trend.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the number of immigration visas granted to high-level talent in science and business fields per 100,000 people is already more than ten times higher than that of China. Recently, AI doctoral programs have been established in Korea, producing high-level talent, but the outflow to the U.S., where wages and compensation are much higher and opportunities are more guaranteed, is expected to be inevitable.

Compared to the U.S., Korea’s significantly lower compensation levels and corporate culture that values length of service over performance are major reasons why excellent Korean talent working abroad do not return. In particular, the issue is highlighted by the lack of systems that provide simple allowances to doctoral graduates, reward performance, or support long-term career development. In contrast, the U.S. offers much more favorable conditions in terms of research environment, compensation systems, and career growth potential. Europe also presents an attractive alternative to global talent through work-life balance guarantees and a performance-oriented culture.

A national strategy is needed to attract overseas talent and prevent talent outflow. Strengthening industry-academia cooperation centered on advanced industries such as semiconductors and creating an environment where doctoral and master’s graduates can generate high value-added research and business opportunities domestically after graduation are essential. Above all, a fundamental change in corporate culture is required. The seniority-based system must be shifted to a performance-based one, providing talented individuals with opportunities to have their abilities recognized and to grow.

In particular, the culture that finds it strange to offer exceptional treatment to high value-added talent must be overcome. Paying top performers wages comparable to those of global companies is by no means unusual. This is simply part of strengthening competitiveness aligned with market logic. However, Korea still has a lingering atmosphere where failing to prioritize long-serving employees over others leads to criticism, unable to break away from the old seniority system.

The issue of talent outflow cannot be dismissed simply as an individual choice. The government and companies must cooperate to provide competitive opportunities to global talent and establish Korea as a country that nurtures and retains talent. This is not merely about preventing talent outflow but is a core task that will determine Korea’s future.

Kyung Na-kyung, Professor, Department of Computer Science, National University of Singapore