Daijiworld Media Network - Seoul

Seoul, Jan 13: South Korea's Ministry of Industry is exploring ways to expand its collaboration with Israel and Japan in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors.

Director General for Technology Policy, Je Kyung-hee, held a virtual meeting with Alon Stopel, Israel's chief scientist, to review the progress of joint research initiatives. The Korea-Israel Industrial R&D Foundation, established in 2001, has funded 16 research projects and is set to launch seven more this year, contributing $8 million annually since 2022 to fuel innovation.

Je also met with Jingo Kikukawa, Japan's Director General for Innovation and Environment, in Seoul to discuss technology cooperation, especially in the context of a new U.S. administration. Both parties agreed to enhance collaboration to stay ahead in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

The two-way partnership with Israel is seeing a notable rise in joint ventures, with applications for technology projects growing from just seven in 2020 to 34 last year. A recent Korea-Israel Innovation Day focused on potential cooperation in semiconductors and smart mobility. The event laid the groundwork for further initiatives, supported by bilateral research funds.

South Korea's leadership in manufacturing and Israel's strengths in cybersecurity and AI are expected to create mutual benefits, paving the way for a more robust technological alliance.