• Min-ji Kang
• Principal Researcher

Senior Researcher Min-ji Kang joined the Science and Technology Policy Institute in 2012, and worked in the Research Planning Team and the Future Strategy Team in the Strategy Planning Department prior to joining the Innovation System Research Division. She majored in Italian, economics, and technology policy, and is currently conducting research on policies and systems related to technology transfer and commercialization, as well as policy evaluation.

1. What led you to work at STEPI?

- Prior to joining STEPI, when I was conducting policy research at my previous workplace I often referred to reports from major domestic policy research institutes. That’s how I first learned about STEPI. At the time, the startup research institute I was working at was experiencing many difficulties, including management difficulties, as it failed to overcome the so-called “valley of death.” This experience naturally led me to take an interest in technology transfer, commercialization and technology policy, and I wanted to conduct related policy research at a research institute. While preparing to change jobs after leaving my company to seek a new challenge, I saw a job posting for STEPI and applied, and thankfully, I was able to get this great opportunity to work here. I have now been working as a STEPIan for 12 years.

2. What efforts do you make on your own to enhance your skills? 

- I think it is important to receive external stimulation regularly in order to continuously grow as a researcher. I enjoy collecting various materials and participating in seminars. I also discover research ideas through these activities. Recently, it has become very convenient to acquire information by participating in various online seminars without having to travel to attend offline seminars in person. In order to internalize the information collected in this way and utilize it in future research, I have created a separate notebook where I jot down notes on what I’ve learned.

3. You have been conducting research on technology transfer, commercialization, and policy evaluation at the Innovation System Research Division. Do you have any special memories while performing as a researcher at STEPI?

 - Every time I start a new project, I seem to get special memories or learn new things. Some of my most memorable projects were researching the 20-year history of technology transfer and commercialization, conducting a review and evaluation of national projects, and performing a performance analysis of the Gangso Research and Development Special Zone. Thankfully, the first research I under took related to technology transfer and commercialization that I undertook was the 20-year history project, so I was able to quickly learn and adapt to this field. In particular, through the research director, I was able to meet a wide range of experts, from people who were among the first generation of technology transfer and commercialization experts in Korea to experts who are currently working in the field. This experience provided a solid foundation for conducting related research. In addition, participating in the national project review and evaluation project for science and technology over four years was also an important experience. This project was conducted every year during the busiest time, in the second half of the year, extending right up to the end year's end. Along with the research director and the other researchers, I spent many long nights and weekends setting performance indicators and directly participating in the evaluation process. The results were collated into a report to the President, and I remember feeling proud of how hard I had worked. Lastly, the Gangso Research and Development Special Zone Performance Analysis Project was a joint project, but it was the first project I took charge of. Through this project, I was able to deeply experience the process of collaborating with clients and government officials as a research director and creating research content. In particular, visiting 14 different special research and development zones and meeting with policymakers and hear diverse opinions was an invaluable experience that has become an asset for me.

4. I hear that last Spring you spent three months in France to improve your skills. Please tell us about your experience there.

- I think the advantage of STEPI’s skills-building training system is that you can design your own program. I decided to go to France because I wanted to experience an overseas innovation environment, even if only for a short time.

- First, I participated in a monthly entrepreneurship training seminar at the Institut Pasteur in France to explore the local innovation environment related to technology transfer and commercialization. Through the seminar, I was able to learn about innovation leadership, the various challenges that arise when starting a business, and the startup support ecosystem. I found that local companies are experiencing similar difficulties to those faced by Korean companies. In particular, while attending the course, I had the opportunity to interact with scientists and technology transfer department officials from the institute who were interested in entrepreneurship. While living in France, I also participated in the 8-week “Public Policy Innovations” online training course run by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). During the course, I learned theories related to public policy, shared policy innovation and case studies of failures from around the world with other international participants, as well as discussing areas for improvement. Through this, I had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in each country and look at policies from various perspectives.

- During my time overseas, I also participated in academic societies and conferences related to technology transfer and commercialization in Europe and visited related organizations. First, I presented a comparative analysis of the Korean and global technology transfer and commercialization environments at the Spring Conference of the Association of Korean Scientists in France (ASCoF). During the conference, I interacted with Korean scientists and female scientists of the same age working in Europe, and I am grateful for that time, as I am still in contact with many of them. In addition, I participated in the EU-Startup Summit and VIVATECH to view cutting-edge technology exhibitions and explored various topics related to startup support policies, digital innovation, and green innovation in the EU and European countries. In addition, I visited STATION F, the world's largest startup incubator, and K-Startup Center (KSC) Paris, operated by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME). Through these activities, I had opportunity to meet with government and local experts, which led to follow-up work such as online seminars and project consultations related to my current project.

- This experience was an important turning point for me, as it broadened my perspective on the world and enabled me to develop my own network. I believe this experience will serve as a new driving force for my future research activities.

5. How is your work-life balance? Is there anything you currently do to manage it?

- I have been learning to play the Haegeum (traditional Korean musical instrument) for the past two years, but I am still at a beginner level, so I don’t have time to think about anything else while playing. This is because I need to finely control the strength of my left hand to produce accurate pitch, while my right hand move the bow to the beat. Thanks to this, I can put aside all my thoughts and worries and focus solely on playing the Haegeum, which great for relieving stress. Even amidst of a very busy schedule, after getting healing by playing for about an hour, I feel like I have new motivation and can do my work better.

6. I understand that you have experience in balancing work and studies. Please give some advice to any colleagues who may be considering pursue further studies in the future.

- Sometimes, people ask me if it was difficult to pursue my PhD while working at the same time. Whenever I get asked that question, I jokingly say that it cut about three years off my life. It wasn't an easy journey. I'd like to give some advice based on my experience. First of all, it's important to take care of your health. And when writing your thesis, I recommend seeking advice from senior PhDs around you. Of course, you should communicate with your advisor the most, but advice from senior PhDs working in the policy research field is often very helpful. I also received help from my mentors, both in terms of content and mental support. Lastly, I recommend setting a clear goal at the beginning and trying to finish as quickly as possible.

7. When are your happy moments as a STEPIan?

- First of all, I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy when I hear that the results of a project that I participated in have been reflected in policy. I think that is the moment that it really hits home that, as a researcher, I can really bring about positive changes to society. Also, interacting with seniors and colleagues who have been my guides at every crossroads in life is very meaningful. Sometimes I have made mistakes due to my lack of experience, but I think I have grown to this point thanks to the help and advice from my seniors. In addition to the interactions during the research process, I also feel great joy in sharing my life through club activities such as “Oidang” and “Sobyujang”. Now, I think I should follow my seniors’ example and prepare to become a senior who is generous in interacting with and helping my juniors.

8. Lastly, please share your motto or slogan, if you have one.

- I hope that the policies arising from our policy research will have a positive influence society. I believe that as researchers, we should not simply create policies but also responsibly consider the impact of those policies on society. It may not be an easy path, but I want to live as a person and researcher who can bring about positive changes to society and have a positive influence.