We begin a discussion with experts from around the world.
How did South Korea get it right? That's been the question on everyone's lips
as the country demonstrated technological leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,...
producing high quality test kits,... and effective digital contact tracing,... further boosting
its reputation as a republic of high tech smartphones and digital infrastructure.
Today we look at how the country has grown as a leader of innovation,... as dubbed by
a special edition of Nature Index published last month. We also explore how Korea should
move forward. Today we have Dr. Lee Ju-ho who served as
South Korea's Minister of Education, Science and Technology from 2010 to 2013,... and established
one of the most innovative institutions in the country during his term. He is now a professor
and economist at the Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management. Also
joining us is Dr. Stephen EZELL, Director of Global Innovation Policy and Vice President
of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, based in Washington, D.C.
1. To both: Last month, Nature Index highlighted South Korea's leadership in global innovation.
Which unique factors enabled South Korea to become a fast follower in
science and
technology today? 2. Dr. Lee: South
Korea has been
lagging behind in basic research, but as minister you tried to change that by establishing the
Institute of Basic Science. This institute made headlines this year when researchers
completed the world's first high-resolution genetic map. What are the factors that enabled
it to achieve such a feat, and what more should be done to encourage progress?
3. Dr. Ezell: Learning from the U.S. experience, what kind of regulatory principles or improvements
do you think are needed for
South Korea to become an innovation powerhouse
in emerging technologies? 4. Minister Lee: South Korea spends the second
highest proportion of GDP on R&D after Israel, yet its level of innovation in emerging technologies
is not exactly proportionate to the input, ranking 11th on the WIPO Innovation Index.
To become a first mover in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, what kind of policy direction
should the country adopt? 5. Dr. Ezell: Which industries or technologies
do you think South Korea could lead the world in, and how should it handle growing competition
from China? 6. Dr. Lee: South Korea's New Deal is about
bolstering a digital economy based on remote services in health and education. What opportunities
do you see for Korea in terms of education technology?
This is where we have to wrap up the discussion. Dr. Lee Ju-ho South
Korea's
Minister of Education, Science and Technology from 2010 to 2013,... and professor at the
KDI School of Public Policy. And Stephen EZELL, Vice President of the Information Technology
and Innovation Foundation. Thank you for joining the program