Samsung Electronics set a new record for the largest quarterly research and development (R&D) investment, spending 9 trillion won in the first quarter of this year alone. This move is seen as a proactive strategy to respond to the expanding demand for high-performance semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI)-based products.
According to Samsung Electronics' announcement of its first-quarter 2025 results on April 30, the company's R&D expenditure for this quarter reached a total of 9 trillion won, surpassing the previous quarter's 8.66 trillion won and marking the highest quarterly figure ever recorded.
The company explained, "This is the result of concentrated investments aimed at securing next-generation semiconductor technologies and strengthening the competitiveness of AI devices." In the memory division, Samsung is focusing its capabilities on the development of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), high-capacity DRAM, and low-power LPDDR products. In the foundry division, the company is working on the early stabilization of 2-nanometer process technology and advancing technologies to meet the demand for automotive semiconductors.
In the device division, the demand for R&D investment is also increasing due to expanded development of AI-based products such as flagship smartphones, AI TVs, and AI home appliances. Samsung Electronics plans to launch new foldable phones and products optimized for AI features in the second half of this year, and is also developing XR (extended reality) devices.
An industry insider commented, "This can be interpreted as a determination to secure future technologies, even amid a global economic slowdown," adding, "In particular, it is a strategic move to respond to the expanding demand for AI and intensifying competition in the semiconductor sector."
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics also set a new all-time record for annual R&D expenditure last year, spending 34.55 trillion won in total.
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