Park In-gyu, Head of the Office of Science, Technology and Innovation, Presents National R&D Blueprint in Special Lecture at Ewha Womans University

[Financial News] The government plans to significantly increase national research and development (R&D) investment in next-generation advanced technologies, including semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers, to secure future growth engines. The move reflects its judgment that basic science research, which forms the foundation of new technologies, and bold strategic investment are essential for survival in a rapidly changing global market.
Ewha Womans University said on the 11th that Park In-gyu, head of the Office of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, outlined the government’s R&D investment priorities during a special lecture held at Isambong Hall in the university’s ECC on the 10th. The official responsible for overseeing national science and technology policy personally visited the university to explain the broad outlines of the national strategy to young people who will lead the future.
Park emphasized, "We must become a strategic nation in the face of global challenges, including AI-driven technological change, the climate crisis and resource shortages." To this end, the government plans to expand strategic investment centered on three major mega-projects spanning semiconductors, physical AI and AI data centers, as well as seven seed areas designed to prepare for the future, thereby strengthening the nation’s future competitiveness.
He also made clear that basic science lies at the very foundation of technological innovation and economic growth. Park explained that the major leaps that transformed the world—from the Industrial Revolution and the information age to today’s AI era—have always begun with new scientific discoveries. Technologies developed on a strong foundation of basic science ultimately serve as the most powerful engine of national economic growth, he said.
About 180 people, including approximately 150 Ewha Womans University students and faculty members, attended the lecture and showed keen interest. Park urged the young audience not to fear failure and to take bold on challenges in future science and technology, saying, "Your dreams and efforts will shape the future of the Republic of Korea."
Before the special lecture, Hyang-Sook Lee, president of Ewha Womans University, met with Park In-gyu to discuss cooperation in cultivating advanced science and technology talent and strengthening the university’s research capabilities. Lee said, "In an era when science and technology determine national competitiveness, universities bear a tremendous responsibility to nurture talent," adding, "We will fulfill our role as a research-centered university by developing outstanding researchers and contributing to the advancement of national science."

[email protected] Man-gi Kim Reporter