South Korea’s Semiconductor Technology Overtaken by China After Two Years

Technology Gap Revealed by Expert Survey

A recent survey of 39 domestic experts revealed that South Korea’s foundational semiconductor technology capabilities significantly lag behind China’s. South Korea received lower scores than China in key areas including high-density/resistive memory technology, AI semiconductors, power semiconductors, and next-generation sensing technology. This survey used the leading technology nation as a 100% benchmark to evaluate South Korean technological prowess, showing China surpassing South Korea in several areas.

Key Evaluation Results by Area

1. High-density/resistive memory technology: South Korea 90.9%, China 94.1%
2. High-performance/low-power AI semiconductor technology: South Korea 84.1%, China 88.3%
3. Power semiconductors: South Korea 67.5%, China 79.8%
4. Next-generation high-performance sensing technology: South Korea 81.3%, China 83.9%
5. Advanced semiconductor packaging technology: Both countries 74.2%

From a business perspective, South Korea was only slightly ahead of China in memory technology and advanced packaging, highlighting the overall technological gap.

Future Issues and Challenges

This analysis also pointed out various future issues affecting the development of South Korea’s semiconductor technology:
• AI semiconductor technology development
• Concerns over the outflow of key personnel
• US-China rivalry and changes in the international political landscape
• Domestically focused policies and supply chain localization

The report also explains that the rise of the Japanese and Chinese markets, US sanctions, and limitations in domestic R&D investment are increasing uncertainty in the South Korean semiconductor market. Therefore, securing advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology, expanding the system semiconductor ecosystem, fostering key talent, and preventing the outflow of existing talent are presented as urgent tasks.

Measures to Enhance Economic and Industrial Competitiveness

To address this issue, the government and businesses must work together to invest in technological innovation and strengthen global competitiveness. Some measures include:
• Increased R&D investment and focus on innovative technology development
• Securing key personnel through talent development programs
• Protecting domestic industries and establishing a stable supply chain amidst US-China conflict
• Strengthening cooperation across the entire industrial ecosystem

These measures will contribute significantly not only to short-term results but also to long-term economic prospects and improved industrial competitiveness. Considering the importance of the semiconductor industry in the global economy and market trends, the results of this evaluation are a matter that we all must take seriously.

The importance of naturally incorporating key economic-related SEO keywords such as economic outlook, industrial competitiveness, technological innovation, global economy, and market trends, while exploring future countermeasures, is crucial. For South Korea's semiconductor technology to take off again, systematic strategic planning and investment are needed, starting now.

*Source URL:
https://news.kbs.co.kr/news/view.do?ncd=8183429