Discussion on the Role of Science and Technology and Talent Exchange
PPSTI Delegation Visits POSCO Global R&D Center
The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on August 11 that it will hold the '2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) General Assembly' at Songdo Convensia in Incheon until August 13.
The APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) is a policy working group that discusses science, technology, and innovation agendas and cooperation measures within the Asia-Pacific region. The 26th meeting will be attended by representatives from APEC member economies, as well as participants from the private sector, academia, and international organizations.
This year, under the theme of 'Leading Inclusive Development Based on Human Resources, Utilizing Open Innovation and Emerging Technologies,' three major focus areas have been discussed since February. Specifically, these include: strengthening science, technology, and innovation (STI) capabilities by expanding exchanges of science and technology talent (including women and youth); addressing regional challenges by expanding research and development (R&D) cooperation through open innovation; and enhancing regional connectivity by increasing the social and economic utility of emerging technologies.
During the three-day meeting, on the first day, discussions will focus on Korea's key initiatives, such as the exchange of APEC scientist talent and cooperation measures to enhance the social and economic impact of emerging technologies. There will also be discussions on major PPSTI agendas, including open science, strengthening science and technology capabilities, creating an environment for innovation, and regional science and technology connectivity, along with opportunities for exchanges among related organizations.
On the second day, August 12, a seminar will be held on the challenges jointly faced by the APEC region and the role of science and technology. The topic is 'Strengthening STI Cooperation Based on Open Innovation to Mitigate Climate Risks.' Member economies will share their awareness of climate risks, discuss joint regional response measures, and exchange views on the operation of the PPSTI.
On the final day, August 13, the PPSTI delegation will visit the POSCO Global R&D Center. After the tour, the Aspire Prize award ceremony will be held, which is given to one outstanding researcher under the age of 40 from the APEC region. This year's Aspire Prize theme is 'AI-BIO Convergence: Inclusive Biotechnology Based on AI to Solve Societal Problems,' and the award will be presented to Professor Baek Minkyoung of Seoul National University.
In his congratulatory remarks, Hwang Sunghoon, Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, "I hope that communication and convergence within the APEC region will lead to prosperity in science, technology, and innovation," and added, "We will strengthen regional cooperation so that emerging technologies such as AI and biotechnology can help solve global challenges."
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