Korea Becomes First Chair of APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI)

Dr. Hwanil Park Elected Unanimously by 21 Member Economies
Strengthening Science and Technology Leadership in the Asia-Pacific Region Expected

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on November 4 (local time) that South Korea has officially assumed the chairmanship of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI).

For the upcoming chairmanship term (2026-2027), Dr. Hwanil Park, Senior Research Fellow at the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), was elected as chair-the first Korean to hold this position. This significant achievement was made possible by the unanimous agreement of all 21 member economies.

Hwanil Park, newly appointed chair of APEC PPSTI. Provided by Ministry of Science and ICT.

The PPSTI is a consultative body established by APEC member economies in the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen scientific and technological capabilities, foster innovation environments, and expand mutual cooperation. Through policy design and sharing, joint project implementation, and the promotion of public-private partnerships, the PPSTI has advanced science and technology innovation among its members. With this chairmanship, South Korea has secured a platform to lead the agenda-setting and implementation of science and technology innovation within APEC.

Dr. Hwanil Park is an expert in science and technology policy who has specialized in sustainable development and global science and technology innovation policy. Over the past five years, he has served as Vice Chair of the PPSTI, contributing to policy cooperation and agenda development. At the Science and Technology Policy Institute, he has also gained extensive international cooperation experience bridging the government and private sectors. His election is seen as official recognition of South Korea’s capabilities in science and technology diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.

Building on this achievement, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans for South Korea to play a central role in science and technology dialogue channels and cooperative projects related to the APEC Summit. Hwang Sunghoon, Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry, stated, "The advancement of a Korean expert to the leadership of an international organization is a highly meaningful accomplishment. Korea’s science and technology innovation leadership is now officially recognized in the Asia-Pacific region, and with Dr. Park’s election as chair, South Korea will take the lead in setting and advancing the science and technology innovation agenda and cooperation within APEC."

This chairmanship is expected to elevate South Korea’s international standing not only in the domestic science and technology innovation ecosystem, but also across the industrial, research, and educational sectors. Furthermore, it is anticipated to serve as an opportunity for South Korea to establish itself as a "middle-power leader" in science and technology cooperation, joint research, and talent development in the Asia-Pacific region.