S. Korea aims to become top-three nanotech leader by 2015

SEOUL, Dec. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is aiming to become one of the top three
nanotechnology industry leaders by capturing 15 percent of the global market in
the next seven years, the government said Tuesday.
The Ministry of Knowledge Economy said in a public hearing that nanotechnology
holds limitless potential because it can improve existing products, help create
new markets and offers leaders a chance to dominate the growing field.
South Korea poured 1.9 trillion won (US$1.4 billion) into the sector in the last
eight years, with 1.3 trillion won going into research and development, 441.5
billion into building infrastructure and a little over 101.2 billion to educate
and train qualified personnel.
As of 2005, the country ranked fourth in terms of nanotechnology proficiency
after the United States, Japan and Germany.
It said the market is attractive for South Korea since it encompasses the future
direction of the country, which is striving for eco-friendly, sustainable growth.

The ministry said that besides nabbing a sizable proportion of the projected
US$2.95 trillion market by 2015, the country will acquire at least 30 core,
world-class technologies and help set up 500 related companies.
It said to meet such a goal, emphasis will be placed on developing
nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, nanoprocessing and manufacturing, and energy and
biomedical areas that make extensive use of nanotechnology.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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