STEPI: "From Information to Intelligence... Early Detection of Global Changes Is Crucial"

[Financial News] As the securitization of science and technology intensifies, calls are growing for global think tanks to build an intelligence system that can detect signals of change early and translate them into actual strategic decision-making.
The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) held the 2026 STEPI Intelligence Dialogue on the 30th at Ruby Hall in the guest pavilion of The Shilla Seoul. The event was co-hosted by The Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST).
Held under the theme "A Global Academic and Policy Intelligence Network for Strategic Technologies," the dialogue served as a forum for exchange, bringing together key participating institutions from the global think tank network that STEPI has built over several years through its Strategic Technologies Global Intelligence Project. The participants engaged in in-depth discussions on strategic technology cooperation and policy responses among like-minded countries. Building on its ties with KAST, STEPI also further strengthened its standing and influence as a global intelligence platform.
In addition to research-focused think tanks, the network includes the embassies of participating countries as another key pillar serving as an actual policy and diplomatic channel. Embassy officials from 10 like-minded countries—including the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan, which have established close cooperation in strategic technologies—also participated in large numbers, adding practical significance to the policy alliance.
Yoon Ji-woong, president of STEPI, said, "Critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology and space are becoming key elements of national strategy and security." He added, "We are at a point when we need to move beyond simply exchanging information and build a global intelligence system that analyzes and shares reliable information and connects it to strategic decision-making."
Jung Jin-ho, president of KAST, said, "In an age overflowing with information, independent and evidence-based science and technology intelligence capable of identifying and assessing important signals of change early is crucial." He emphasized, "As critical and emerging technologies become major tools of national strategy and security, scientists and academies need to participate actively in strategic discussions, while like-minded countries should expand reliable information-sharing channels and joint cooperation platforms."
The 2026 STEPI Intelligence Dialogue is now in its second year. Through this dialogue, STEPI plans to expand its foundation for cooperation with major domestic and international think tanks and research institutions. It also aims to continue developing a global science and technology intelligence network that continuously shares and analyzes major changes and strategic signals in critical and emerging technologies.

[email protected] Yeon Ji-an Reporter