Korea falls behind China in technology as science talent base weakens

President Lee Jae Myung speaks throughout the public briefing titled “A Korea that dreams again of becoming a nation of scientists and engineers” on the National Science Museum in Yuseong District, Daejeon, on Nov. 7, 2025. [NEWS1]

 

Korea’s technology hole with main opponents is widening, whereas fewer college students are selecting science and engineering fields, elevating considerations concerning the nation’s long-term competitiveness.

 

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT’s 2024 technology stage evaluation reported to the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology, Korea trails the United States by 2.8 years in total technological functionality. China’s hole with the United States is 2.1 years, placing Korea 0.7 years behind its regional rival.

 

Since China first overtook Korea in 2022, the hole has continued to widen. In a complete analysis of 136 applied sciences throughout 11 sectors, Korea ranked final amongst 4 main gamers: the United States, the European Union, China and Japan.

 

The rising distance from China is especially regarding. In an evaluation of fifty nationwide strategic applied sciences, Korea’s hole with the United States was estimated at 2.6 years, in contrast with China’s 1.4 years. Even in secondary batteries, a area the place Korea had lengthy held a number one place, China has moved forward. Semiconductors stay one in all Korea’s few areas of power, however Chinese corporations are quickly narrowing the hole.

 

More troubling is the weakening pipeline of future talent. This yr, 144 admitted college students declined enrollment in industry-linked applications at Yonsei University and Korea University in fields such as semiconductors and automotive engineering. These applications successfully assure employment at main corporations such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, but withdrawals elevated by almost 40 % from the earlier yr.

 

Private training institute Jongro Academy stated lots of the college students doubtless selected medical colleges or different high-demand applications after receiving a number of admissions affords, reflecting the continued focus of high college students in medical fields.

 


 

At a time when science and technology are central to nationwide energy, main economies are transferring in the other way. China is accelerating efforts past its “Made in China 2025” initiative towards longer-term industrial methods, producing about 5 million engineering graduates annually. Japan has recognized 17 strategic industries and is increasing authorities assist to rebuild industrial competitiveness. The United States additionally views superior manufacturing as a core aspect of its industrial and technology technique.

 

Korea should reply to this world shift. Like its opponents, the federal government ought to increase tax and monetary assist for company analysis and improvement and superior funding. Policies to draw science and engineering talent ought to embody scholarships, improved working circumstances and navy service incentives.

 

Industry-linked college applications also needs to evolve past easy job placement to strengthen world-class analysis capabilities. In an period of intensifying competitors for technological management, failing to domesticate talent may undermine the nation’s financial future.

This article was initially written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the assistance of generative AI instruments. It was then edited by a local English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.