Support basic research and strengthen global cooperation...R&D Innovation Makes Science Powerhouse

■ Host: anchor Lee Se-na and anchor Na Kyung-chul
■ Starring: Park Sang-wook, senior secretary for science and technology at the presidential office

* The text below may differ from the actual broadcast content, so please check the broadcast for more accurate information. Please specify [YTN New Square 2PM] when quoting.

[Anchor]
The government is making every effort to foster the so-called three major game changers, artificial intelligence, bio, and quantum, which are future foods. In line with this, following the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Committee, the National Bio-Committee will be launched soon. Let's talk about the specific role of these committees, and furthermore, the direction of the national science and technology policy with Park Sang-wook, senior presidential secretary for science and technology. Please come in.

[Park Sangwook]
Hello.

[Anchor]
Thank you for coming out. Earlier this year, for the first time in government, the Office of the President had a senior science and technology office. First of all, please explain to the viewers what the senior science and technology office is like.

[Park Sangwook]
In short, the Office of the Senior Secretary of Science and Technology is a place where science and technology make the future. It serves as a control tower for science and technology policies from R&D to science and engineering talent training policies. As you mentioned, the three major game changers of artificial intelligence, advanced bio, and quantum technology are also in charge of developing national strategic technologies such as space, nuclear power, and hydrogen. In addition, the Office of the Secretary for Climate and Environment recently joined the Office of the Senior Secretary for Science and Technology, and is in charge of implementing carbon neutrality and responding to climate change.

[Anchor]
You introduced yourself as the control tower of science and technology policy. But I heard that Han Kang's heart became heavy at the news of winning the Nobel Prize in Literature. What does this mean?

[Park Sangwook]
The Nobel Prize in Literature is a national event and I was personally very happy. Congratulations again to Han Kang. However, of course, it was thought that it was time for the Nobel Prize in Science to come out, so the shoulders became very heavy for the chief in charge of the task.

[Anchor]
Then, what do you think is the reason why there has not been a Nobel Prize winner in science in Korea yet?

[Park Sangwook]
The Nobel Prize in Science is given for the achievements made in the field of basic science or for opening a new field. However, it has only been about 30 years since Korea started investing in basic science. In fact, we have mainly focused on developing applied technologies while growing the economy rapidly. As a result, we have become a country that exports high-tech technologies such as semiconductors, smartphones, batteries, electric vehicles, and K nuclear power plants that sweep the world, which is something we are proud of more than Nobel Prize. Recently, however, there are many world-class researchers in the field of basic science, so I think I will be able to win the Nobel Prize in Science in the near future.

[Anchor]
In science, individual research is important, but joint research or global research cooperation has become very important, and I heard that various policies have been supported for this. In what direction are you applying?

[Park Sangwook]
As you say, the Nobel Prize itself is an award given to researchers recognized by the world of science. Being recognized is not just about writing and presenting a good thesis, but it should be recognized and recognized through joint research and collaborative research in the global scientific community. However, it is true that Korea's R&D ecosystem has been somewhat narrow and lacking openness. So this year, the Korean government has set aside 1.8 trillion won in global R&D budget, four times more than last year, to strengthen global R&D cooperation. We are accelerating the expansion of global R&D.

[Anchor]
Competition for AI technology development is fierce around the world these days. Technology can be made by the private sector, but in fact, problems related to AI ethics and AI security are being pointed out, so what kind of plans do you have?

[Park Sangwook]
Our government basically thinks that safe AI is competitive AI. From the learning process of AI to its use, AI that does not adhere to our ethical standards and international ethical standards will not be able to step up in the future. The National Artificial Intelligence Committee, which was launched not long ago, will have an AI ethics safety division and a legal system division. In addition, the AI Safety Research Institute will open at the end of November, and the AI Safety Research Institute will study safety evaluation, ethics, policy, and governance, including safety technology development.

[Anchor]
Following the National Artificial Intelligence AI Committee you mentioned just now, the National Bio Committee has officially announced its launch, so what is the reason for intensively fostering the bio field after artificial intelligence?

[Park Sangwook]
As I said, AI, bio, and quantum are considered the three major game changers. Among them, bio is a very important game changer field not only in health care but also in industry, energy environment, and even security. For example, in the case of the pharmaceutical industry, the transition from compound-based drugs to biopharmaceuticals is now taking place. In addition, bio-technology is being combined in the agricultural sector to dramatically improve added value and productivity.

Existing manufacturing industries are also gaining competitiveness through eco-friendly bio conversion. Also, recently, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was given to the field of AI semiconductors. Digital bio combined with data is opening a very new field with the convergence of biotechnology, AI digital technology, and information and communication technology. As such, bio is not only leading innovation in many sectors but also approaching our lives faster than artificial intelligence, so the government has no choice but to pay attention to bio as the next generation of food after semiconductors.

[Anchor]
You pointed out the importance of the bio field, so what will the National Bio Commission do specifically?

[Park Sangwook]
Just last Tuesday, the regulations for the establishment of the National Bio Commission passed the Cabinet meeting. Now, we are planning to accelerate the installation work and hold the first meeting presided over by the president in December. In addition, a support group for the National Bio Commission will be set up separately. The National Bio Commission divides the bio sector into three categories: red, green, and white. Red, green, and white are the best governance in the bio sector across ministries, covering the entire process from R&D strategy establishment to regulatory reform and clinical and commercialization.

[Anchor]
Finally, last night, the nuclear power plant contract with the Czech Republic is temporarily put on hold, and many people seem to be concerned because of this foreign press report, but is there no problem with Team Korea's nuclear power plant order?

[Park Sangwook]
In fact, it's not exactly my job, but to tell you what, I think the people can rest assured. Because the eliminated competitor filed a complaint and it's a temporary phenomenon that's very routine and procedural. There is no problem with the actual progress of this contract. And I visited the Czech Republic on a presidential trip, and not only the government but also the citizens felt a strong will to move beyond the nuclear power alliance with Korea to become a high-tech alliance in all fields of science and technology.

[Anchor]
I see. So far, we have talked about the future and direction of science in Korea with Park Sang-wook, chief of science and technology in the presidential office. Thank you for coming out today.