SME Innovation Network Forum Held in Jeju
Discussion on Global Growth Strategies Based on Deep Tech
Korea-U.S. New Technology Policy Exchange Program Launched
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the "2025 SME Innovation Network Forum" on September 4 at the Grand Chosun Jeju in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, in conjunction with the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting. At the forum, participants discussed global collaborative research and development (R&D), deep tech-based growth strategies, and the exchange of policies on new technologies.
The SME Innovation Network Forum is the largest think tank in the field of SME R&D policy. This year, it was held under the theme "SME Innovation Connecting the World: Global Growth Strategies Based on Deep Tech," in line with the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting's focus on innovative growth.
Sung-Sook Han, Minister of SMEs and Startups, is speaking at the SME Innovation Network Forum held on the 4th at the Grand Chosun Jeju in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. Ministry of SMEs and Startups
The Ministry first hosted a global talk concert with APEC member countries, as well as domestic and international experts from academia, industry, and research institutes, and SMEs. During this session, participants from Canada, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and others shared policies supporting SME growth and explored ways to strengthen global cooperation.
Representatives from Germany's Fraunhofer Institute, the Steinbeis Foundation, and Purdue University in the United States attended and presented outstanding cases of global joint R&D. These organizations are key partners in the Ministry's newly introduced global collaborative R&D program this year. On the occasion of this event, the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs and Fraunhofer signed a global R&D cooperation agreement, which includes technology transfer and personnel exchange.
A Korea-U.S. expert policy exchange program was also held under the theme "Trends in New Technologies such as Digital Platforms and AI and SME Innovation." In-depth discussions covered the role of SMEs in digital economic innovation, the status of new technology regulations in each country, and their impact on SMEs.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups has allocated 2.1955 trillion won for next year's R&D budget, a 45% increase from this year-the largest ever. The expanded budget will be used to support the implementation of strategies discussed at this forum, including the "SME Deep Tech Scaling Up Strategy."
Minister Hansung Sook stated, "The SME Innovation Network Forum is an important platform for seeking directions in technology innovation strategy and strengthening global networks. The Ministry will focus its policy capabilities to accelerate the technology-based global growth and overseas expansion of our SMEs."
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