S. Korea to invest 1.6 tln won in original technology research this year

SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is expected to invest 1.6 trillion won
(US$1.37 billion) in research and development (R&D) to upgrade the country's
original technology and clean energy infrastructure this year, the government
said Monday.

The Ministry of Knowledge Economy said the government will foot about 1.21
trillion won of the total with the rest coming from the private sector. The
amount is a gain of 10.2 percent from 1.43 trillion won allocated to original
technology upgrades in 2009.
"A total of 175 new projects have been selected this year for development and
support," a press release said. It said the new projects that will receive the
funding are aimed at allowing local companies to become globally competitive in
sustainable, eco-friendly growth and in technology convergence.
R&D will be centered on 11 key areas such as automobiles, industrial materials,
robotics and clean energy, and manufacturing areas that have solid growth
potential.
Automobiles will get 98.14 billion won in support, with industrial materials and
robotics to get 84.43 billion won and 56.97 billion won, respectively.
Research to speed up the country's clean manufacturing base and fuel use of
renewable energy is to receive 124.27 billion won in 2010.
The plan is also aimed at enhancing the development of software and
next-generation communication networks, as well as electronic-information devices
such as semiconductors, displays and the nanotech field, the ministry said.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)

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