“3년 이상 20억까지”…중소기업 R&D 지원 혁신방안 발표<br /><br />The South Korean government is discussing plans to help support the local economy,... including proposals to help small firms develop their own parts and components.<br />This is part of efforts to make Korea more self-sufficient with more trade restrictions taking effect, especially in the Asia-Pacific.<br />Kim Hyesung reports.<br />At an economy-related ministers' meeting on Wednesday, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced measures to help South Korea's small firms develop their own parts and materials in a bid to overcome rising global trade protectionism and trade tensions. "Japan's export curbs showed how an accumulation of technological capabilities can determine a nation's competitiveness. Our goal is to help local small and mid-sized firms achieve technological independence in materials, parts, components that are the foundation of future new industries' growth."<br />A consortium set up by the government will play a matching role so small firms can develop the specific parts and goods that big conglomerates need.<br />To ensure continuity, instead of a funding support of an average of around 80-thousand U.S. dollars a year, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups will provide up to 20 times that figure, one-point-six million dollars over a three-year period.<br />One-hundred local small firms will be selected by the end of this year to develop tech related materials and parts.<br />A total of 160 million dollars a year will be allocated for fourth industrial revolution related industries like AI and biotech.<br />Lastly, the government will strengthen industry-university-research institute cooperation by increasing R&D joint cooperation from last year's 39 percent to nearly 50 percent.<br />Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki also said the government will promptly start spending on social overhead capital in the latter half of this year to help boost the local economy.<br />The government will ease regulations in the construction sector and push for smart construction technology to enhance productivity and safety.<br />Kim Hyesung, Arirang News.<br />
