MSIT hosts 2023 Science & ICT Policy Day to strengthen international cooperation in science, technology, and ICT
- Minister presents MSIT's key policies and directions for international cooperation to foreign diplomats in Korea
The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") hosted the "2023 Science & ICT Policy Day," a policy briefing session arranged for ambassadors of foreign missions in Korea and diplomats whose duty concerns matters related to science, technology, and ICT (information and communications technology), on December 7th (Thu.) at Four Seasons Hotel.
The "Science & ICT Policy Day" has been organized by MSIT since 2010, marking its thirteenth anniversary this year. The aim of this event is to share major policies related to science, technology, and ICT with the international community, and strengthen international cooperation networks. Given the current administration's commitment to enhancing global research and development (R&D), this year's event was particularly meaningful in that it served as an opportunity to present MSIT's directions for international cooperation to foreign diplomats stationed in Korea.
The event was attended by approximately 100 diplomats in the field of science and technology from 67 embassies in Korea (38 ambassadors) and international organizations. From MSIT, Minister Lee Jong Ho, along with Director Generals responsible for each key policy area participated to explain the government's policies, answer questions, and interact with attendees. The key topics covered during the event were international cooperation in science, technology, and ICT, trends and policies regarding the space industry in Korea, and the recent announcement of the Digital Bill of Rights.
First, Director General Kim Seong Gyu of the International Cooperation Bureau delivered a presentation on the Korean government’s policy on international cooperation in science, technology, and ICT. He emphasized that considering both internal and external environment, international cooperation is no longer a choice but a necessity for South Korea. He referred to the recommendations made in the "OECD Reviews of Innovation Policy: Korea 2023," which acknowledges limitations such as the need for more participation in international projects and researcher mobility, despite the international cooperation activities for science, technology, and ICT that had been carried out so far. He proposed directions to internationalize Korea's science and technology innovation system, and reinforce international cooperation initiatives.
In the same presentation, MSIT set out a vision titled "Becoming a Global Science and Technology Powerhouse and a Digital Model Nation," and outlined key policy directions to achieve this goal: (1) Strengthening global R&D in advanced technology sectors, (2) Better support for global market entry by identifying technologies and products with competitive advantages for export, (3) Enhancing the role of Korea within the international community by improving Official Development Assistance (ODA) and leading discussions on digital norms, and (4) Expanding the international cooperation network.
Second, Director General Cho Seon Hak of the Space, Nuclear, and Big Science Policy Bureau delivered a presentation on the "Trends of and Policies for the Domestic Space Industry," which outlined core policy tasks based on MSIT's blueprint for shaping Korea as a powerhouse in the space economy. These tasks include: (1) Enhancing the aerospace governance through the establishment of the Korea AeroSpace Administration, (2) Advancing cutting-edge technology development in lunar and mars exploration and next-generation launch vehicles, and (3) Creating new industries through the promotion of private sector-led space launch projects and satellite services.
Moreover, to secure global leadership, MSIT plans to further promote Korea's participation in international joint projects, expanding cooperation in space technologies and industries with emerging and developing countries. MSIT also expressed its commitment to supporting the global market entry of domestic businesses in the space industry by facilitating the private sector’s network establishment, and promoting cross-government collaborations.
Third, Director General Song Sang Hoon from the ICT Policy Bureau delivered a presentation introducing the Digital Bill of Rights, a charter coding the fundamental direction of a universal digital order and norms providing national-level standards and principles, and guide the international community in the era of deepening digitalization.
The Digital Bill of Rights proposes a vision for a "digital shared prosperity society" as an exemplary model for the international community worth pursuing, where digital innovation is promoted, while its benefits are shared in a just and fair way by all members of the society. To realize such vision, the Digital Bill of Rights outlines the five guiding principles*, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the citizens and other stakeholders.
* Five guiding principles: (1) Guarantee of freedom and rights, (2) Fair access and equal opportunities, (3) Security and trust assurance, (4) Fostering of digital innovation, and (5) Advancement of human well-being
To advance the implementation of what is stipulated by the Digital Bill of Rights, MSIT will conduct a survey to diagnose the "status of pan-ministerial digitalization preparations," to in turn support the revisions on relevant policies and regulatory frameworks with accordance to the Digital Bill of Rights. MSIT also plans to actively engage in disseminating the proposed digital order and norms beyond Korea to worldwide.
At the event, Minister Lee Jong Ho emphasized the significance of this policy briefing, as foreign diplomats were invited and brought together to exchange opinions on South Korea's science, technology, and ICT policy, and discuss future directions for international cooperation. He stated, "We will make continuous efforts to strengthen exchanges of policies, technologies, and human resources in the field of science, technology, and ICT based on the solidarity with diverse nations, insofar as to contribute to the international endeavor for addressing global issues."
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.