Korea's advanced technology sector is ranked 5th in the world. However, most countries, except for the United States and China, are at similar levels, so without aggressive investment and policies, there is a situation where they could allow lower-tier groups to catch up at any time.
The Belfer Center at Harvard Kennedy School, a private think tank in the United States, released the results of its assessment of advanced technological capabilities of 25 countries worldwide on the 5th (local time). The assessment covered artificial intelligence (AI), bio, semiconductors, space, and quantum technology.
The evaluation showed that the United States and China demonstrated overwhelming advantages. The United States ranked first with a total score of 84.3, and China recorded 65.6 points to come in second. Following them were the European Union (EU, 41 points), Japan (23.8), and Korea (20).
The United States held the top position in technology across all sectors. Similarly, China secured second place in all areas. In particular, there was not a significant gap between the United States and China in the fields of bio, semiconductors, and quantum technology. The report noted, "Thanks to the independent innovation ecosystem built over the past several decades, the United States is ahead of China in all areas, but China is rapidly narrowing the gap in various fields," adding that "China is reducing its reliance on imports and enhancing industrial competitiveness through centralized planning and large-scale investments in areas such as pharmaceuticals and quantum communications."
Korea was evaluated as having the technological prowess ranked 5th globally thanks to semiconductors, but it remained around 10th in all other areas. AI was 9th, bio was 10th, and quantum technology and space were ranked 12th and 13th, respectively. Semiconductors were 5th, following the United States, China, Japan, and Taiwan. Without semiconductors, there are no significant differences in the other four fields, making it possible for the rankings to be reversed at any time.
The report positively evaluated Korea's designation of all five technology sectors as national strategic technologies and its increase in investment. However, there are many challenges that need to be addressed.
The report diagnosed, "There is a serious shortage of talent in the semiconductor, AI, bio, and quantum technology sectors," stating that "The problem is exacerbated by the declining population and the increasing preference of STEM students for the medical field."
It continued, "The government must continuously pursue regulatory reforms in response to global competitors who are accelerating regulatory relaxations," adding that "Strategic support from the government is needed for corporations in the AI and bio sectors to leap into the global market and strengthen international cooperation."
Meanwhile, North Korea recorded the lowest score among the 25 countries assessed, with 0.8 points. It received 0.8 points only in the space sector, while its technological capabilities in the other four sectors were assessed as '0'.