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Korea falls behind China in technology as science talent base weakens

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during the public briefing titled “A Korea that dreams again of becoming a nation of scientists and engineers” at the National Science Museum in Yuseong District, Daejeon, on Nov. 7, 2025. [NEWS1] Korea’s technology gap with major competitors is widening, while fewer students are choosing science and engineering fields, raising concerns about the country’s long-term competitiveness. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT’s 2024 technology level assessment reported to the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology, Korea trails the United States by 2.8 years in overall technological capability. China’s gap with the United States is 2.1 years, putting Korea 0.7 years behind its regional rival. Since China first overtook Korea in 2022, the gap has continued to widen. In a comprehensive evaluation of 136 technologies across 11 sectors, Korea ranked last among four major players: the United States, the European Union, China and Japan. The growing distance from China is particularly concerning. In an assessment of 50 national strategic technologies, Korea’s gap with the United States was estimated at 2.6 years, compared with China’s 1.4 years. Even in secondary batteries, a field where Korea had long held a leading position, China has moved ahead. Semiconductors remain one of Korea’s few areas of strength, but Chinese companies are rapidly narrowing the gap. More troubling is the weakening pipeline of future talent. This year, 144 admitted students declined enrollment in industry-linked programs at Yonsei University and Korea University in fields such as semiconductors and automotive engineering. These programs effectively guarantee employment at major firms such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, yet withdrawals increased by nearly 40 percent from the previous year. Private education institute Jongro Academy said many of the students likely chose medical schools or other high-demand programs after receiving multiple admissions offers, reflecting the continued concentration of top students in medical fields. Related ArticleElon Musk directly courts Korean chip engineers in AI talent warKorea adds 108,000 jobs in January, smallest growth in 13 monthsManufacturing sector is getting rid of the 'good jobs' that young people wantKorea Inc. pledges 270 trillion won as Lee calls for youth hiring, regional investment At a time when science and technology are central to national power, major economies are moving in the opposite direction. China is accelerating efforts beyond its “Made in China 2025” initiative toward longer-term industrial strategies, producing about five million engineering graduates each year. Japan has identified 17 strategic industries and is expanding government support to rebuild industrial competitiveness. The United States also views advanced manufacturing as a core element of its industrial and technology strategy. Korea must respond to this global shift. Like its competitors, the government should expand tax and fiscal support for corporate research and development and advanced investment. Policies to attract science and engineering talent should include scholarships, improved working conditions and military service incentives. Industry-linked university programs should also evolve beyond simple job placement to strengthen world-class research capabilities. In an era of intensifying competition for technological leadership, failing to cultivate talent could undermine the country’s economic future. This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.

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The 6 Best Second Monitors For Work And Gaming

If you're after a secondary display, there are ample options at varying price points that are sure to pair well with your primary work or gaming monitor.

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Casio To Release Full-Metal G-SHOCK With MIP LCD For Enhanced Readability

(MENAFN - Dubai PR Network) New Exterior Design Co-Created by Human Designers and AIDubai, February 23, 2026 - Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has released the GMW-BZ5000, a new full-metal addition to ...

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AUS Brings Physical AI To Campus Through New Robotics Partnership With Terminus Group

(MENAFN - Dubai PR Network) Sharjah, UAE, 23rd February 2026 - Two advanced robots have arrived at American University of Sharjah's (AUS) Department of Computer Science and Engineering, thanks to ...

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Ducab Marks Regional First Successful Test Of Extra High Voltage Cables With Brugg Cables Accessories

(MENAFN - Dubai PR Network)Dubai, UAE – 23 February, 2026 – Ducab, a leading UAE-based end-to-end energy solutions provider and manufacturer of high-quality cables and wires, has marked a ...

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EDGE Group And Safran Join Forces To Disrupt The Smart Weapons Market

(MENAFN - Dubai PR Network) Primary focus on long-range air-to-ground weapon systems, with potential expansion into surface-to-air and smart weapons capabilities Abu Dhabi, UAE: 23 February ...

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Seabird conservation starts upstream, scientists say

New research from Monash University, in collaboration with Phillip Island Nature Parks, has found conclusive evidence that rivers are vital drivers of food and habitat for seabirds around the world. The research, published in Biological Reviews, examined 51 scientific studies that looked at how river water flowing into the sea affects seabird behavior, diet, health and population trends. The results revealed that nearly nine out of 10 studies reported a clear link between river-influenced ocean environments and seabird ecology, from where birds feed to how healthy they are and how successfully they breed.

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Students run 'bee hotels' across Canada—DNA reveals who's checking in

Can students be on the front lines of conservation? A new Canada-wide study, published in Metabarcoding and Metagenomics, suggests they can. The efforts of some 5,000 students produced data detailed enough to reveal complex ecological networks hidden inside a small PVC and cardboard tube home.

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Quantum computers go high-dimensional with a four-state photon gate

The collaboration of TU Wien with research groups in China has resulted in a crucial building block for a new kind of quantum computer: The realization of a novel type of quantum logic gate makes it possible to carry out quantum computations on pairs of photons that are each in four different quantum states, or combinations thereof. The advancement is an important milestone for optical quantum computers. The study has now been published in Nature Photonics.

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Stretchy plastics conduct electricity via tiny, whisker-like fibers

A stretchy, conductive type of plastic could help power the next generation of implantable biomedical devices, like longer-lasting pacemakers or glucose monitors, according to Enrique Gomez, professor of chemical engineering at Penn State.

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WhatsApp Business could charge users for linking more than four devices - XDA Developers

WhatsApp Business could potentially start charging users who want to link more than four devices to the same account in a future update.

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Google Messages causing severe battery drain and overheating? Here’s a temporary fix - XDA Developers

A bug in Google Messages is causing severe battery drain and overheating on some devices. Here's a temporary fix while you wait for Google to push an update.

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Redmi 10 Power with 6,000mAh Battery Launched in India: Check Price and Specs - The Quint

Redmi 10 Power Price in India: Redmi has launched its new smartphone Redmi 10 Power in India. The smartphone was launched along with Redmi 10A, on Wednesday, 20 April in India

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Alienware Doubles Down on AMD, Launches New Ryzen Laptops and Desktop - Gizmodo

The premium Alienware m15 R7 and m17 R5 highlight four new Ryzen-powered systems.

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Apple MagSafe Battery Pack Will Now Charge Your iPhone Faster: Here’s How - News18

Apple is offering its new firmware update for the MagSafe accessory that promises to give you faster charging for the compatible iPhone models.

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Google to kill call-recording apps on Play Store on May 11 - GSMArena.com news - GSMArena.com

System apps with native call-recording functionality remain unaffected.

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OnePlus Nord 2T moniker confirmed, camera details leaked ahead of India launch - 91mobiles

The OnePlus Nord 2T India launch may take place soon as the moniker has been spotted on the TDRA certification. The OnePlus Nord 2T's camera details have also been leaked. Here are the expected specifications of the device.

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Garena Free Fire Max Codes For April 21: Here's How To Redeem Them For Free Rewards - ABP Live

Garena Free Fire Max redeem codes are 12-digit codes that are region-specific and can be used by players to gain an edge over rivals in every round of the battle royale game.

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Realme Announces Narzo 50a Prime For Next Week, To Come Without Charger | Mint - Mint

We are still not sure that no-charger policy will be limited to Narzo 50A Prime or it will be extended to other Realme budget, mid-segment and premium phones