Vice Prime Minister Bae Kyeong-hoon engaged in discussions in Brussels with EU officials to enhance collaboration in AI and scientific research.
During his state visit to Belgium, Vice Prime Minister Bae Kyeong-hoon, who also oversees the Ministry of Science and ICT, met with Ekaterina Zaharieva, the EU Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation. Their talks primarily focused on expanding cooperative efforts in artificial intelligence and advanced technology sectors, building on South Korea's recent entry as an associate member of Horizon Europe, the EU's major research initiative.
At a dinner meeting with Korean researchers at IMEC in Leuven, Bae emphasized the importance of fostering innovation in semiconductor, AI, and quantum computing fields. He highlighted South Korea's achievements in securing research funding and participating in significant projects alongside prestigious institutions, including Imperial College London and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The discussions also covered the potential for enhanced collaboration in AI-driven research and data sharing, leveraging the National Science AI Research Center as a pivotal resource. Both parties expressed a commitment to bolster researcher exchanges and internships, particularly in advanced biotechnology and quantum research, through established programs like the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
This engagement reflects the EU's keen interest in South Korea's ongoing contributions to global research and innovation, suggesting a promising trajectory for future scientific partnerships between the two regions.