South Korea designates seven high-tech sectors as future growth engines

At a meeting in Seoul, President Lee Jae Myung urged South Korea to identify and nurture seven forward-looking industries that will serve as the country's future growth engines and strategic assets. While semiconductor sales have surged, Lee emphasized the need to diversify by promoting small modular reactors, nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, advanced biology, and supply chains for advanced materials and components.

He described the rapid turnover of emerging technologies and warned that falling behind could leave the nation and its citizens at a disadvantage. The president tasked officials and researchers with implementing the plan, pledging state support for innovators and engineers. Around 60 participants, including government staff and scientific experts, discussed ways to foster these sectors and build a skilled workforce. The initiative is branded the "seven seed projects" and aims to secure a leap forward for the Korean economy.