The 2nd Science and Technology Diplomacy Forum, hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and organized by KISTEP, was held on November 23 (Tue). The event was broadcast live online in compliance with quarantine rules and can be viewed again through the KISTEP YouTube channel.

(Link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9zMpJBQAfk

This forum was organized to discuss the strategies to cope with science and technology diplomacy in the era of technological hegemony.

▲ Jinha Kim, director at KISTEP

The forum was hosted by Jinha Kim, director of KISTEP Center for International Cooperation Policy, starting with the opening speech by Hongtaek Yong (Vice Minister of Science and ICT), congratulatory speech by Hyangja Yang (member of the National Assembly), another congratulatory speech by Jong-moon Choi (Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs), and welcome speech by Sang-seon Kim (president of KISTEP). There were two presentations: ‘the significance of technology hegemony and major issues and implications in the international community’ by professor Won-joon Kim of KAIST and ‘the challenge and opportunity of Korean science and technology diplomacy in the era of technology hegemony’ presented by professor Jong-il Lee of SUNY Korea.

▲ Hongtaek Yong, 1^st Vice Minister of Science and ICT

"Science and technology are not essential unless diplomatic power is supported," said Hongtaek Yong, the first vice minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, emphasizing the importance of science and technology diplomacy, adding, "We will do our best to contribute to the international community by making science, technology, and diplomacy a strategic team. "

▲Hyangja Yang, Member of the National Assembly

▲ by Jong-moon Choi, 2^nd Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

In the continued congratulatory speech, Hyangja Yang, member of the National Assembly, suggested, "The reason for the success of the semiconductor industry, which has become a technology hegemony for 30 years, is that we have prepared to nurture human resources in advance." In addition, 2^nd vice minister of Foreign Affairs, Jong-moon Choi, said that as the importance of science and technology diplomacy is highlighted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also preparing various programs, and stated the importance of cooperation from science community.

▲Sang-seon Kim, president of KISTEP

In a welcoming speech, Sang-seon Kim, president of KISTEP, said, "Science and technology require close cooperation among international countries at the global level, and on the other hand, fierce competition is needed." He expressed significance of the event, hoping that it will be a place to gather wisdom to successfully leap forward in terms of science and technology diplomacy.

▲ Won-joon Kim, professor at KAIST College of Business

In the first session, Won-joon Kim, professor at KAIST College of Business, presented the theme of ‘The significance of technological hegemony and major issues and implications of technological hegemony competition in the international community.’ Professor Kim introduced major technologically competitive industry by region, along with the historical background of technological hegemony, and explained the current paradigm shifts of technological hegemony by country. He also suggested that integrated operation is needed as the management system for strategic technology is currently operated individually by ministries. He argued that South Korea is to leap forward again through a strategic shift centered on science and technology in the future.

▲ Jong-il Lee, professor at SUNY Korea College of Business Management

In the second session, Jong-il Lee, professor at SUNY Korea College of Business Management, presented the theme of ‘Challenge, Opportunity, and Response Direction of Korean Science and Technology Diplomacy in the Age of Technology hegemony.’ He explained the science and technology diplomacy is required by the international community along with Korea's enhanced diplomatic position and the level of science and technology. Professor Lee also stressed the need for international cooperation in science and technology, and urged that it is time for science and technology diplomacy to assist and live with developing countries around Korea based on its experience of becoming a scientifically advanced country in 60 years.

▲Panel discussion

Sang-hwan Lee (professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies), led the following panel discussion with Young-mi Ji (president of Korea Pasteur Research Institute), Kyung-ryeol Park (professor at KAIST), Gwangu Shin (professor at Sogang University), Ji-young Park (senior researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies), and Hwanil Park (director at STEPI Global Innovation Strategy Research Division).