Korea goes all out to secure chip prowess

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Tue, September 26, 2023 | 08:06

Companies

Korea goes all out to secure chip prowess

Posted : 2023-05-09 16:40

Updated : 2023-05-10 16:37

Science and ICT Minister Lee Jong-ho speaks during a press conference at the L Tower in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Gov't announces roadmap for chip tech development

By Baek Byung-yeul

The government on Tuesday announced a roadmap for semiconductor technology to ensure that Korea maintains its technological edge in the industry over the next decade amid increasingly fierce global competition. It also announced a public-private council aimed at advancing technology in the memory, foundry and system semiconductor sectors.

The roadmap includes a 10-year plan to secure core technologies such as next-generation memory semiconductors, chip design technologies for AI, 6G, power and vehicles and the development of micronizing and packaging technologies.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said work began on establishing the roadmap in May 2022 with the participation of industry, academia, researchers and government. The ICT ministry said it will continue to upgrade the roadmap and set the direction for R&D.

The government previously announced R&D strategies for three key technologies, including semiconductors, displays and next-generation batteries. Korea agreed in summits with the U.S. and Japan to strengthen cooperation on advanced technologies, including semiconductors. The roadmap for semiconductor technology development is a follow-up measure to these strategic plans and strengthened cooperation, the ministry explained.

"Earlier this year, we established a strategy to secure super-gap technologies in the fields of semiconductors, displays, next-generation batteries and future materials," Science and ICT Minister Lee Jong-ho said during an announcement event in Seoul.

"At today's event, we announced the government's roadmap for future semiconductor technologies and shared research achievements and technology trends. We also launched a council for public and private discussion to lay the foundation for securing Korea's technological prowess in semiconductors."

He added, "Since the development of digital technology is changing so fast, we will meet from time to time to update it."

As part of the strategy, the government plans to invest 563.5 billion won ($425.8 million) this year into R&D for the chip sector and plans to attract 340 trillion won in investments from private companies over the next five years.

During the event, semiconductor companies such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Sapeon, RFHIC and Wonik IPS announced their latest technology trends as well.

baekby@koreatimes.co.kr