South Korea to Revamp Strategic Technology Framework as US Tightens AI Model Export Controls

Government resets priorities for semiconductors, robotics and energy

Core projects to be reprioritized

"The U.S. is controlling Anthropic's latest artificial intelligence model and restricting exports. Our own technological capabilities matter more than ever."

Bae Kyung-hoon, deputy prime minister and minister of science and ICT, made the remarks on June 18 at the National Strategic Technology Leading NEXT Project event at Lotte Hotel in Seoul's Sogong-dong. His comments underscored the need for South Korea to secure technological sovereignty as AI models become strategic national assets.

The event was held to discuss priorities for national strategic technologies. The government sees core technologies such as AI, semiconductors, advanced robotics, energy and biotech as strategic assets that shape national security, supply chains and future growth, going beyond the competitiveness of individual industries. Seoul's plan to overhaul its national strategic technology framework is part of that effort to strengthen technological sovereignty.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said it reclassified 513 technologies spread across four laws, including the National Strategic Technology Promotion Act. It drew out 19 common technology categories and reorganized them into a system of 55 strategic technologies across 10 sectors. The effort is aimed at creating a strategic-technology management framework that can be used jointly across government ministries.

The government plans to designate key projects within those 10 sectors as national strategic technology research and development projects by the end of this year. The designation would give them priority consideration in R&D budget allocation and funding, while easing corporate matching requirements.

Park Hong-geun, minister of planning and budget, said technology now defines national competitiveness. The overhaul goes beyond simply drawing up a list and sets a marker for where the country should focus its capabilities, he added.

The government said it will go beyond selecting technologies and support efforts to link ministry projects with private-sector demand so they can deliver results in the industrial field.

Lee Young-ae, Hankyung.com reporter 0ae@hankyung.com