Jo Incheol Stresses Need for Roadmap to Attract, Settle, and Develop Overseas Science and Engineering Talent

Forum on Talent Development Held at the National Assembly
by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology and the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies

On the morning of the 13th, Jo Incheol, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a forum on the theme of "Solutions for Nurturing Science and Technology Talent in the Era of Crisis in Science and Engineering" in Meeting Room 1 of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Photo by Jo Incheol's office

Jo Incheol, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Gwangju Seo-gu Gap), held a forum on the morning of the 13th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building under the theme of "Solutions for Nurturing Science and Technology Talent in the Era of Crisis in Science and Engineering."

This event was a policy forum where the National Assembly, the science and technology community, and academic organizations came together to address the sharp decline in the influx of science and engineering talent, caused by factors such as the decreasing school-age population and the concentration of students in medical schools.

In addition to Representative Jo, the event was attended by Choi Hyungdu and Choi Sujin, members of the People Power Party, as well as officials from the co-hosting organizations: the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology.

In his opening remarks, Chung Jin-ho, President of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, pointed out, "Securing outstanding science and technology talent is a key factor for the nation's sustainable growth and an essential element for securing technological sovereignty. Unfortunately, however, Korea is facing complex problems such as the outflow of top talent overseas, a lack of incentives, a declining population, and a growing aversion to science and engineering fields."

President Chung stated, "We are holding this emergency forum because it is a critical time to establish a solid foundation for Korea's sustainable development and competitiveness, and to implement a national talent development strategy for securing outstanding science and technology talent. I hope this will be an opportunity for us to discuss ways to nurture talent for Korea's future."

In his congratulatory remarks, Representative Jo cited the 'AI Index 2025' report, saying, "Korea maintained its top global ranking in 'number of AI patents per capita' for the second consecutive year, demonstrating the world-class capabilities of our talent. However, the 'AI talent mobility index' recorded minus 0.36, confirming that more talent is leaving the country than coming in. If we help outstanding talent settle in Korea, we can once again replicate the IT Korea success story of the past."

Representative Jo also emphasized, "We need not only a mid- to long-term roadmap that covers the attraction, settlement, and growth of foreign talent, but also to enhance the consistency and predictability of laws to make domestic research communities more attractive. We must foster a social atmosphere that respects entrepreneurs and is tolerant of failure. In addition, we should actively consider utilizing regions as 'innovation laboratories.' This is the way to revitalize both the regions and the nation as a whole."

Meanwhile, at the forum, Park Kibum, Senior Research Fellow at the Science and Technology Policy Institute, and Kim Youngo, Dean of the College of Engineering at Seoul National University, each gave presentations on "University R&D Innovation Plans in the Era of Crisis for Science and Technology Talent" and "The Crisis of Science and Engineering Talent Seen from the University Field and Future Directions for Nurturing Talent."

During the panel discussion, Lee Wonyong, Vice President for Research at Yonsei University, served as moderator. The panel included Yoo Jaejoon, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at Seoul National University; Moon Seunghyun, former President of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology; Kim Yongsam, CEO of Jincore Co., Ltd.; Jang Wonwoo, Ph.D. from Korea University; and Jang Juae, Ph.D. from Sungkyunkwan University, who engaged in in-depth discussions.