Professor Tae-seog Oh of Sogang University’s Graduate School of MOT was inaugurated as the 11th President of KISTEP on April 1, 2025, beginning his three-year term.

The ceremony proceeded as follows:

• Opening remarks and the national anthem

• Introduction of President Oh’s background

• Inaugural address by President Oh

• Presentation of a floral bouquet

• Group photo

△ Tae-seog Oh, President of KISTEP

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Seoul National University and a master’s degree in Technology and Innovation Management from the University of Sussex in the UK. He entered public service after passing Korea’s 35th Higher Civil Service Examination. He has since held senior positions including Secretary-General of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology, roles in the Office of Science, Technology and Innovation Coordination at the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), and First Vice Minister of MSIT. Most recently, he was a professor at Sogang University’s Graduate School of MOT, teaching innovation policy, economic security, and strategic technology.

With over three decades in Korea’s leading science and technology agencies, President Oh has shaped R&D and innovation policies, earning wide recognition for his deep insight, professional expertise, and steadfast leadership.

△ President Tae-seog Oh delivering his inaugural address

In his inaugural address, President Oh said, “I am honored to assume KISTEP’s presidency at a time of global technological transformation and to lead an institution that has been my long-time partner in innovation policy. To evolve beyond a policy-support agency into a leading innovation strategy think tank, we must achieve analytical excellence and provide timely, actionable recommendations.”

He then outlined four strategic priorities:

• Integrating the end-to-end innovation-policy cycle—from strategy development and budget allocation to program evaluation

• Introducing new approaches to existing work streams

• Enhancing digital capabilities and cultivating skilled policy analysts

• Recruiting outstanding talent and nurturing a healthy organizational culture

He concluded by affirming KISTEP’s commitment to proactively addressing pressing domestic and international challenges, underscoring its role in advancing Korea’s innovation agenda.