On April 14, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the KNPA. This MOU aims to ensure citizens' safety and security while promoting a thriving civil economy for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and micro-enterprises. The agreement includes details on technological and overseas market development for SMEs in the field of public security, protection of SMEs' intellectual property, and strengthening the safety net for micro-enterprises.

The two organizations recognized the importance of strengthening the safety net for micro-enterprises and laying the foundation for growth, including safeguarding intellectual property, investigating cases of intellectual property theft and infringement, and protecting innocent micro-enterprises. The two organizations were also aligned regarding the importance of utilizing advanced technologies and discovering new growth engines for SMEs in the field of security, with both organizations resolving to cooperate in each area actively.

Minister OH Youngju stated, "This MOU is expected to organize and systematize inter-ministerial cooperation by establishing a fast-track system for investigating intellectual property infringement cases. Additionally, it seeks to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working in the field of public security while ensuring their competitiveness in the science and technology sector." She added, "MSS and KNPA will work together to generate fruitful results, including fostering SMEs in the security field and protecting SMEs' intellectual property."

KNPA Commissioner General Yoon Hee Keun stated, "KNPA and MSS have been working together to protect SMEs' intellectual property and have achieved meaningful results." He added, "With this MOU, we will set a notable example of inter-ministerial cooperation by fostering SMEs in the field of public security and developing policies to protect micro-enterprises."

In conjunction with the MOU ceremony, "The 2nd Scientific Security R&D Achievement Exhibition" hosted by the KNPA was also held. This exhibition showcased 14 R&D advancements in the field of public security, including DNA detectors, drone control vehicles, and low-risk handguns developed by the KNPA, universities, government-funded research institutes, and SMEs.

Based on the achievements of scientific security R&D, domestic and international interest in science and technology in the field of security is expected to be further enhanced.
MSS and KNPA have plans to enhance their cooperation in the future to provide additional policies that are needed by SMEs and micro-enterprises. Moreover, both organizations will work to intensively foster the security industry to ensure the peaceful day-to-day lives of the people.

Global Media Relations: Rachel Minjo CHUN
+82-(0)44-204-7104 / rachelmchun@korea.kr