On Monday, June 16, the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) participated as the sole representative of Korea at the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) held in Jakarta, Indonesia. During the event, STEPI shared key achievements in international science and technology innovation (STI) cooperation, highlighting Korea’s commitment to advancing regional research and innovation partnerships.

A special session on research cooperation, organized as part of AMMSTI-21, provided a platform for the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) to promote the K-Innovation Partnership Programme, including its ongoing project in Indonesia (2020–2025). This session emphasized the importance of policy-sharing and deepening STI collaboration between Korea and ASEAN member states.

Dr. Deoksoon Lim, Honorary Research Fellow at KIST, delivered a presentation titled

"The K-Innovation Partnership Programme: Strengthening Korea–ASEAN STI Cooperation."

He showcased the accomplishments of Korea’s STI cooperation efforts in Indonesia, Ghana, and Cambodia, and proposed new areas for future collaboration, grounded in Korea’s policy and innovation capabilities.

Since 2018, STEPI has actively supported the policy planning and implementation capacity of Indonesia’s STI ecosystem. Its contributions include support for the Framework Act on Science and Technology (2019) and the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in 2021, reinforcing Indonesia’s STI governance structure.

Dr. Lim highlighted the limitations of conventional STI-focused Official Development Assistance (ODA), which has largely centered on infrastructure and individual-level interventions. He called for a paradigm shift, advocating:

• An integrated ODA approach that combines hard infrastructure with soft components such as policy and management.

• A move from short-term, project-based assistance to mid- and long-term, integrated programmes.

• A transition from individual knowledge transfer to systematic, institution-based cooperation models.

As part of Korea–ASEAN cooperation, the following strategic proposals were presented:

• Promotion of long-term, inclusive, and people-centered STI programmes.

• Development of mutually beneficial joint R&D initiatives.

• Support for postgraduate capacity-building through Master’s degree programmes in STI policy and technology management.

During the panel discussion that followed, participants recognized the growing urgency of enhanced STI collaboration in light of global challenges such as the climate crisis, digital transformation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session concluded with a shared commitment to foster continuous and impactful cooperation between Korea and ASEAN member states.

On May 30, 2025, the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) hosted a high-level delegation from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for a strategic dialogue on science and technology cooperation. The meeting brought together key representatives from both sides, including senior UK science officers based in Seoul and Tokyo, to explore future directions for bilateral collaboration, with a focus on research security, geopolitical linkages, multilateral platforms such as Horizon Europe, and emerging aerospace technologies.

Discussions emphasized Korea's policy advancements in research security since 2020 under the OECD framework, including the establishment of a national strategy and legal measures to classify and protect sensitive technologies. The UK shared its mixed legislative and non-legislative approach through bodies such as the National Protective Security Authority. In addition, both sides recognized the value of enhancing cooperation in open science, data governance, and space policy. Key follow-up actions proposed include developing joint research on open science, organizing a bilateral space policy workshop, and institutionalizing regular policy exchanges between STEPI and the UK’s science and technology network.

On May 28, the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) hosted an official session at the 2025 Jeju Forum under the theme “AI Technological Gaps and International Cooperation: Exploring Inclusive Digital Transformation through Science and Technology Policy.” The session addressed growing disparities in AI capabilities between countries and emphasized the need for context-sensitive, multi-layered policy responses through international cooperation.

Speakers from Cambodia, Québec, and STEPI highlighted diverse national approaches to AI development, with particular focus on energy infrastructure, institutional readiness, and ethical governance. STEPI’s Yongki Kim stressed the urgency of integrating energy policy into AI strategy. Participants agreed that closing the AI gap requires not only technology transfer but also tailored cooperation models that reflect each country’s social and policy environment, ethical standards, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

On Thursday, May 22, 2024, the National Research Council for Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences (NRC) hosted the 2024 Research Institutes Evaluation Award Ceremony at the Grand Auditorium of the Sejong National Research Complex. The event honored institutions and researchers for their exceptional achievements in innovation and outstanding dedication to research excellence.

STEPI received the Innovation Institution Award in recognition of its significant contributions to institutional development and innovation policy.

Spotlight on STEPI’s Excellent Implementation Projects

The award ceremony highlighted two exemplary policy initiatives led by STEPI researchers:

1. Promoting Private-Led Corporate Innovation

This project focuses on the design of policies that foster private-sector leadership in corporate innovation.

o Awardee: Senior Research Fellow Soojung Son

2. Strengthening Mission-Oriented Innovation Policies

This initiative emphasizes the improvement of regulations and institutional frameworks that support innovation, alongside the advancement of mission-oriented policy strategies.

o Awardee: Senior Research Fellow Kwangho Lee

On Wednesday, May 21, at 3:00 p.m., the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) and the Citizens' Coalition for Scientific Society (CCSS) held a joint forum titled “A Future Opened by Dialogue: Science and Technology Innovation Designed with Citizens” at the Science and Technology Convention Center.

The event aimed to share perspectives on the roles and responsibilities of science and technology in the future, as envisioned by civil society organizations and policy research institutions, as well as to discuss the government’s policy directions and priorities.

Prof. Jun-Mo Ahn (Department of Public Administration, Korea University; co-chair of the CCSS) and Dr. Chan-Soo Park (Vice President of STEPI) presented a set of five policy priorities for S&T innovation.

Celebrating its 38th anniversary on May 7 (Tue.), the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) held a ceremony on May 8 (Wed.) in the conference room on the 6th floor of the office building with all employees participating.

At the ceremony, the Excellent Report Award, Achievement Award, STEPIan Award, etc. were presented to employees who had displayed outstanding research activities and competencies.

In addition, Ten winners including Ki-Beom Park from System Innovation Office were selected as STEPIan of the year.

Celebrating its 38th anniversary this year, The Institute for Science and Technology Policy was established with the goal of contributing to national science and technology policy establishment and science and technology development through science and technology activities, including research and analysis on various science and technology-related socioeconomic issues.

The Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and ICT, hosted an official side event for the “81st UNESCAP Commission Session” on Wednesday, April 23, at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. The side event was co-organized by STEPI, the National Institute of Green Technology, and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (all from the Republic of Korea), as well as the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) of ESCAP. It was hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand. The theme of this event was “Harmonizing Innovation Growth and Climate Resilience: Climate Technology Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region through the NBI (Nature-Balanced Innovation) Platform.”

Dr. Ji-Woong Yoon, President of STEPI, began his remarks by stating that the climate crisis has evolved into a shared responsibility for the entire human race, transcending the boundaries of any individual nation or generation. He stated that achieving a sustainable future requires aligning technological innovation with climate resilience. He also noted, “The AI-based NBI platform will be able to maximize its impact by linking with green finance and carbon markets, going beyond mere technology development,” and added, “I hope this forum will serve as a starting point for us to design a sustainable future for the Asia-Pacific region together.”

In the presentation session, Dr. Soo-Jung Sohn, Director of STEPI’s System Innovation Office, presented “Nature-Balanced Innovation (NBI): An NBI Approach to Linking Innovation, Growth, and Climate Resilience” and introduced the concept of NBI, which aims to replace the conflicting interactions of industrial growth and natural degradation. In addition, she emphasized the necessity of a dual-engine innovation strategy designed to maximize innovation while minimizing the potential threats to nature that innovation may pose. She underscored the importance of integrating investments in harmony with nature into research and development efforts to ensure that the prosperity brought by current innovation is not passed on to the next generation as a burden of climate change.

Dr. Natarajan Anandavalli, from the CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre in India, spoke on “Emerging Technologies for Climate Adaptation in the Asia-Pacific Region,” highlighting the need for buildings and infrastructure that are not only sustainable but also proactively resilient in the face of accelerating climate change.

Additionally, Professor Jun-Beum Kim from the University of Technology of Troyes in France presented the patented AI-based carbon reduction evaluation system for climate technologies, which was jointly registered with the National Green Technology Research Institute. Hee-Jin Shin, Director at Kyobo Securities Co., Ltd., explained the “Climate-Finance Integration Trading Platform,” which leverages simulation, LCA, IP valuation, and carbon credit tokenization - including direct tokenization and stablecoins - to attract ESG investors, with a focus on renewable energy, real estate, and intellectual property assets.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Jae-Ryung Song (NIGT) and focused on the dissemination of Korea’s AI-based climate technology to UNESCAP and developing countries.

On Thursday, April 17, at 1:30 PM, the Science and Technology Policy Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the President’s Office at Changwon National University with Changwon National University and Changwon Research Institute covering “Strengthening Regional-based Science and Technology Policy Research and Education Cooperation.”

The three organizations agreed to join forces to establish innovation policies in the Changwon region and to cooperate in joint research and projects, such as designing a regional innovation ecosystem model that organically connects advanced technology and higher education through strengthening research capabilities and linking with local communities.

The Science and Technology Policy Institute, together with Changwon National University and Changwon Research Institute, co-hosted the 463rd STEPI Science and Technology Policy Forum on April 17 (Thursday) at 2:00 PM in the Insong Hall on the 2nd floor of the Changwon National University Main Building under the theme of “Innovative Companies Returning Corridor: Changwon Regional Innovation Ecosystem and the Role of Glocal Universities.”

The forum, which kicked off with an opening speech by 

Ji-woong Yoon, President of the Science and Technology Policy Institute, and welcoming speeches by Min-won Park, President of Changwon National University, and In-sik Hwang, President of the Changwon Research Institute, was organized to explore strategies for restructuring regional innovation ecosystems based on science and technology and the role of glocal universities.

In his opening speech, Ji-woong Yoon, President of the Science and Technology Policy Institute, stated that “Each region in our country is pursuing its own unique development model based on its own resources and history,” and that “STEPI has continuously conducted policy research to strengthen regional innovation capabilities and sustainable development.”

Along with this, he said, “In the “de-globalization era” where the recent trend for globalization is being upended and regional innovation strategies are being emphasized, “creating a glocal regional innovation ecosystem” is a major topic,” and added, “At today’s forum, I hope that there will be in-depth discussions with reference to case studies from the Changwon region on the restructuring of the science and technology-based regional innovation ecosystem and the role of glocal universities in the era of unlimited high-tech competition.”

In his welcoming speech, Min-won Park, President of Changwon National University, said, “It is important to establish a virtuous cycle structure where research needed by the region is conducted within the region and the benefits of related results are returned to local companies and citizens,” and expressed his hope that the forum would become a new venue for cooperation. 

In his own welcoming speech, In-sik Hwang, President of the Changwon Research Institute, also noted that he hoped the day’s discussions would not stop at discourse but would become the cornerstone for creating a practical corridor where policies and systems, education and technology, talent and companies meet.

The first presentation of the forum proper was given by Associate Research Fellow Hyeon-ik Lee (STEPI), who introduced a plan to strengthen regional innovation capabilities, such as fostering future industries and attracting talent, with reference to an analysis of the Gyeongsangnam-do industrial and science and technology innovation environment, including the Changwon National Industrial Complex, under the title, “Diagnosis of Gyeongsangnam-do’s regional innovation capabilities and future industry fostering plan.”

In particular, the government emphasized that the detailed strategy of establishing regional customized talent policy, which has been set as a national task, emphasizes the role of the region, and that the responsibility for fostering regional talent should be strengthened, such as ▲establishing a talent fostering-employment-settlement system tailored to regional industries ▲pursuing startup/industry-academia cooperation centered on regional universities and attracting outstanding international students.

In addition, Vice President of Academic Affairs Yeong-tae Jo (Changwon National University) gave a presentation on the direction of innovation and key tasks for glocal universities based on Changwon National University under the theme of “Cooperation Model between Regional Hub Universities and Government-funded Research Institutes in Changwon,” and Visiting Professor Young-dall Lee (The City University of New York) gave a presentation on the strategy for fostering a glocal innovation ecosystem in the region under the theme of “Strategies for Fostering a Regional Glocal Innovation Ecosystem” where he expounded on the limitations of the existing growth model in the Changwon region and measures to overcome them.

In a panel discussion moderated by Wi-jin Song, Policy Committee Chairperson of the Korean Network of Living Labs, former CEO Dong-hyeong Lee (Cyworld), CEO Jong-in Kim (DX Solutions), Director Don-ha Hwang (Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute), Vice President for Industry-Academic Cooperation Jong-gyu Park (Changwon National University), Research Fellow Ho-jin Jeong (Changwon Research Institute), Senior Research Fellow Ji-eun Seong (STEPI), and Director Jeong-guk Seo (Changwon City) participated to share the current status and issues of the domestic regional innovation ecosystem and discuss effective ways to foster a glocal innovation ecosystem.

On Tuesday, April 15, the Science and Technology Policy Institute held the Year 1 Kick-off Meeting for the 「2025 Korea-Uzbekistan International Technology K-Innovation Partnership Program (hereinafter referred to as the K-Innovation Project)」 at the Agency for Innovative Development (hereafter AID) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks given by Director Umidjon Khoshimov (AID) and a welcome speech given by Researcher Ji-hyun Kim (STEPI). About ten Uzbek AID officials participated in the meeting, and discussed ways to strengthen the capability of supporting the establishment of an Uzbekistan Technopark national strategy.

In his opening remarks, Director Umidjon Khoshimov (AID) stated, “Through this cooperation, we expect that systems for operating the Uzbekistan Technopark will develop in a more strategic and sustainable manner,” and “We will strengthen our long-term cooperative relationship with STEPI starting with this meeting.”

Research Fellow Ji-hyun Kim (STEPI) said in her welcome speech, “We would like to actively support the establishment of a national strategy for creating an innovation ecosystem in Uzbekistan,” and added, “We hope that this project will further expand cooperation in science and technology policies between the two countries.”

At the kick-off meeting, Director Umidjon Khoshimov (AID) delivered an analysis introducing the current status under the title, “Introduction of AID’s Technopark Policy and Current Status in Uzbekistan,” and then Korean experts shared Korea’s experience of operating related organizations and programs based on a strategic direction and institutional improvement plans suitable for the local situation in Uzbekistan.

During the subsequent site visit, the participants visited major technoparks in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and examined the current status of operations, corporate support programs, and cases of establishing startup infrastructure. They also held practical discussions on the possibility of incorporating Korean innovation clusters.

Starting from Tashkent, the Korean delegation then made a series of visits to technoparks in major regions of Uzbekistan, including Nukus and Syrdarya, until April 18 (Friday), conducting on-site investigations and practical consultations. Through this, they plan to gain an understanding of the operational status and policy demands of regional technoparks and secure basic data for establishing a future master plan.