Seoul: Korea's technology gap with major global competitors is expanding, raising alarm over the nation's long-term competitiveness as fewer students opt for science and engineering fields.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a report from the Ministry of Science and ICT presented to the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology indicates that Korea lags behind the United States by 2.8 years in overall technological capability. Comparatively, China is 2.1 years behind the U.S., placing Korea 0.7 years behind its regional competitor.
Since China first surpassed Korea in 2022, the disparity has continued to grow. An evaluation of 136 technologies across 11 sectors placed Korea last among key players: the United States, the European Union, China, and Japan. The increasing gap with China is particularly troubling, especially in strategic technologies where Korea's lag is measured at 2.6 years compared to China's 1.4 years. Even in secondary batteries, once a Korean stronghold, China has advanced. Although semiconductors remain a strength for Korea, Chinese companies are swiftly closing the gap.
The situation is exacerbated by a shrinking talent pool. This year, 144 students withdrew from industry-linked programs at Yonsei University and Korea University, despite these programs guaranteeing employment at top firms like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Withdrawals have surged by nearly 40 percent from the previous year, with Jongro Academy indicating that many students are opting for medical schools or high-demand programs after receiving multiple admission offers.
As global powers pivot towards science and technology, Korea faces increasing pressure. China continues to push beyond its "Made in China 2025" plan, producing approximately five million engineering graduates annually. Japan has identified 17 strategic industries and increased government support to regain industrial competitiveness, while the U.S. emphasizes advanced manufacturing as a key component of its industrial strategy.
Korea must adapt to this global trend by expanding tax incentives and fiscal support for corporate research and development. Policies aimed at attracting science and engineering talent should include scholarships, better working conditions, and military service incentives. University programs linked to industries should evolve to enhance world-class research capabilities. In this era of heightened technological competition, failing to nurture talent could jeopardize Korea's economic future.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools, then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by the newsroom.