Empowering women in science and technology: key to Korea's innovation economy
Kwon Oh-nam
As Korea navigates the era of digital transformation, its economic future depends on fully utilizing its talent pool. Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) represent a critical but underutilized resource. Despite progress, gender disparities persist in education, career advancement and leadership, weakening Korea’s global competitiveness in technology and innovation.
Findings from the Korea Federation of Women’s Science and Technology Associations (KOFWST) 2025 report highlight both progress and ongoing challenges. While women's participation in STEM has increased, the proportion of women earning doctorate degrees has declined. Women remain underrepresented in leadership, limiting their impact on Korea’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem. These disparities must be addressed for Korea to maintain its leadership in global innovation.
The gender gap in STEM: A missed opportunity
One of the most concerning trends is the declining number of women recipients of doctorate degrees in STEM. More women are entering science and engineering, but fewer are reaching the highest levels of research. Career interruptions due to family obligations, limited institutional support and a lack of retention policies hinder their progress.
The disparity extends beyond academia. Women remain underrepresented in corporate R&D leadership. While women researchers increasingly contribute to patents and publications, they hold only 12 percent of executive positions in Korea’s leading scientific organizations.
The economic consequences of this disparity are significant. A 2023 OECD report found that closing gender gaps in STEM could boost Korea’s gross domestic product by up to 2 percent annually. McKinsey research shows that companies with greater gender diversity in R&D and leadership outperform competitors in innovation and financial performance. Korea must recognize that underutilizing women STEM experts is not just a social issue but an economic and technological disadvantage.
Women leading STEM innovation
Despite systemic challenges, many Korean women are making groundbreaking contributions in STEM. Professor Meeyoung Cha is a scientific director at the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy (MPI-SP) in Germany and a professor at KAIST. She specializes in data science and computational social science, focusing on misinformation detection, poverty mapping and fraud analysis. Her research has received international recognition, earning her the Hong Jin-Ki Creator Award (2024) and multiple Test-of-Time Awards. Before joining the MPI-SP, she was a chief investigator at the Institute for Basic Science in Korea and a visiting professor at Facebook.
Similarly, professor Sooin Lee at the University of Washington has made significant contributions to explainable artificial intelligence. Her research improves AI transparency, particularly through SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations), a widely used method in AI model interpretation. In 2024, she became the first woman to receive the Samsung Ho-Am Prize in Engineering. She earned her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from KAIST and later completed her master’s and doctorate at Stanford University before joining the University of Washington as a faculty member.
These success stories highlight what is possible when women have access to leadership roles in STEM. However, isolated success is not enough — systemic and sustained efforts are needed to close the gender gap.
Policy reforms for inclusive innovation
Addressing these disparities requires bold, data-driven policies that foster an inclusive research and innovation ecosystem.
A crucial step is adopting gender-sensitive research funding policies that encourage diverse research teams and provide targeted grants for women-led projects. The European Union’s Horizon 2020 program has demonstrated that inclusive funding frameworks lead to greater participation and innovation.
Corporate and academic institutions must also implement family-friendly workplace policies, including flexible work schedules, child care support, and return-to-work programs for women who take career breaks. Companies that prioritize gender diversity in leadership consistently perform better in innovation and financial growth.
Expanding mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives is another key strategy. The U.S. National Science Foundation's ADVANCE initiative, which supports women’s career progression in STEM academia, provides a valuable model Korea could adapt. Strengthening professional networks for women in STEM will further enhance opportunities for collaboration and advancement.
Beyond policy changes, a broader cultural shift is necessary to challenge deep-seated gender norms. Encouraging young girls to pursue STEM careers through targeted education campaigns and female role models is essential. Schools and universities should introduce gender-sensitive curricula and scholarships to ensure more women enter and remain in STEM fields.
A call to action: urgency for change
Korea’s future as a leading innovation hub depends on its ability to create an inclusive and dynamic research environment. The digital transformation era demands diverse perspectives and talents to drive breakthroughs in AI, biotechnology and sustainability. By investing in women in STEM, Korea can unlock untapped potential, accelerate innovation and secure long-term economic resilience.
If Korea fails to act now, the consequences will be far-reaching. A shrinking talent pipeline, stagnation in R&D, and declining global competitiveness could become inevitable. The time for incremental change has passed — what is needed now is decisive action.
The responsibility lies with policymakers, academia, industry leaders and society at large. Korea must take bold, systemic steps to empower women in STEM and secure its place as a global technology powerhouse.
Dr. Kwon Oh-nam is a professor at Seoul National University and a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology. She is also the President of the Korea Federation of Women’s Science and Technology Associations (KOFWST), advocating for gender diversity and innovation in STEM fields.