Korean Agency for Technology and Standards Announces 82 New Projects
Under the "National Standard Technology Enhancement Program"
The government has decided to make a focused investment of 45.9 billion won this year to support the early establishment of standards in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI).
On the 25th, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that it will invite applications for 82 new projects under the 2026 National Standard Technology Enhancement Program to boost exports in advanced industrial sectors and support the preemption of global standards. The National Standard Technology Enhancement Program is a flagship standards R&D initiative that develops and proposes Korean technologies as international and national standards, and supports standardization activities.
This year, the government plans to further strengthen the foundation for leading standards in advanced industries by investing 45.9 billion won, an increase of 3.4 billion won from the previous year. In particular, it will concentrate 8.6 billion won on 15 new projects in advanced industrial sectors, including the M.AX (Manufacturing Artificial Intelligence Transformation) area such as AI, future vehicles, and robots. In addition, the scope of support will be expanded beyond the international standards that have been the primary focus so far, to include de facto standards in fields such as semiconductors and displays, where technological change is rapid and which determine the specifications of products and components.
Preempting standards in advanced industries is a key factor that determines entry into and expansion within new global markets. If Korean technologies are reflected in international standards, this is expected to enhance export competitiveness across domestic industries. Furthermore, by increasing preemptive support for de facto standards in areas undergoing rapid technological change, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards expects to help domestic companies secure an advantage in global technological leadership.
Kim Daeja, Administrator of the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, said, "Standards are a strategy that establishes the direction and criteria for future technologies and accelerates market entry," adding, "To lead in advanced industrial sectors, we will continue to expand the development of standards that our companies need."
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