Gov't to pursue industrial R&D centered on manufacturing AI, balanced growth

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources in the administrative city of Sejong / Yonhap

The government will push for state-supported industrial research and development (R&D) projects with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and promotion of balanced regional growth, the industry ministry said Wednesday.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said it plans to create a 2 trillion-won ($1.4 billion) support package for R&D projects that can contribute to establishing industrial complexes in the southern regions, especially ones involving the AI transformation of manufacturing industries.

It also plans to earmark a combined 1.5 trillion won in support for R&D projects aimed at boosting the competitiveness of the ailing chemical industry.

Through the initiative, the government aims to help the manufacturing sector build 500 AI factories by 2030, and develop AI models for self-driving cars and autonomous ships.

It will also work to develop 10 humanoid robot models for industrial use by the end of next year, while officially launching a 700 billion-won project to develop an on-device AI chip later this year.

"With the rise of trade protectionism, which weakens the rules-based international order, industrial and technological competitiveness has emerged as a fundamental pillar for safeguarding a country's industry, economy and national security," Vice Industry Minister Moon Shin-hak said in a press release.