“The goal is 'complete' scientific and technological innovation centered on technology commercialization.”
Kim Young-sik, chairman of the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST), held a press briefing on the 11th at a restaurant in Jung-gu, Seoul, noting, “Until now, we have received many criticisms regarding the lack of output relative to input in the research and development (R&D) sector,” and added, “In the future, we will redefine the identity of government-funded research institutes based on national mission and introduce new technology commercialization strategies to enhance the completeness of R&D.”
Currently, the technology transfer and commercialization of grants are mainly carried out through Technology Licensing Organizations (TLO). However, the capacity for technology commercialization varies widely among research institutes, and in some, TLOs have not been functioning effectively.
Kim pointed out, “Institutions like the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) are specialized in technology commercialization, but some grants lack the systems to activate technology transfer,” adding, “There are often cases where the institutes and executives do not have a mindset for technology commercialization.”
NST plans to establish a 'matchmaker platform' to address these issues. This platform will match technology demand and supply between research institutes and corporations, helping technologies to be effectively utilized in the market. Kim stated, “The success or failure of technology commercialization depends on market logic,” and emphasized, “It is important to discover and connect with demand companies to activate technology commercialization overall.”
The process from the early stages of research to final commercialization will also expand the 'milestone-type technology transfer' method, where the technology commercialization organization systematically manages the process. Unlike the existing one-time technology transfer, this method is a model that gradually develops technology in collaboration with corporations from the early stages of research and development. During this process, NST will also provide research funding, legal support, and connections with investors.
Min Byeong-kwon, head of the NST Convergence Strategy Office, stated, “There is a disconnect between the fundamental technologies held by grants and the technologies required by corporations, making technology transfer difficult,” and said, “To develop technology to the level desired by corporations, it takes a long time, so it is efficient to sign early technology transfer contracts at the stage of fundamental technology and then conduct additional research to the desired level.”
Kim also expressed his views on various issues in the science and technology sector. Regarding the evaluation system of grants, he said, “Creating an environment where grants can focus on their original research is a priority,” and added, “To minimize the burden imposed by evaluations, we should shorten the time required for evaluations as much as possible.” NST plans to announce a revised evaluation system that does not burden the institutions soon.
He added, “By extending the retirement age for 10% of the grants to 65 years, we have created opportunities for people between about 52 and 62 years old to progress to the 65-year track, which has significantly increased the number receiving benefits,” and noted, “Internally, if there are no major issues, the trend is shifting towards reaching the age of 65, allowing us to continue securing talented personnel.”
Kim also spoke about the appointment of heads of grants institutes that had been delayed last year. He said, “There were difficulties due to the martial law period and timing, but currently all necessary positions are being appointed,” adding, “The head of the Korea Herbal Medicine Research Institute is expected to be appointed in a board meeting on the 13th, while the Korea Railroad Research Institute and Korea Geological Institute are currently in the process of appointing heads, and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology is already down to three candidates.”