S. Korea's technology level at 72.8 pct of global leaders

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's technology levels stands at 72.8 percent of global leaders as the country tries to build up its competitiveness in cutting-edge sectors, the government said Wednesday.

The 2008-2012 science and technology basic plan compiled to measure competence in
364 specific fields showed South Korea lagging behind trend setters by 6.8 years,
the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said.
South Korea failed to lead any fields, with local technology in information
technology (IT), electronics and communication skills standing at 81.4 percent of
the leaders, translating into a 3.8-year gap, said the ministry.
South Korea is one of the leading manufacturers of mobile phones, various home
appliances and digital electronic goods.
The ministry said that the country's expertise in biotech, energy and resource
management stands at 68.6 percent and 76.1 percent of global leaders, but falls
even further in areas like emergency control and medicine, where it is eight to
nine years behind the leaders.
The latest report predicted that in five years, South Korea will likely gain on
leaders, with overall technology levels reaching 77.8 percent, representing a gap
of 6.3 years.
The Education and Science Ministry, meanwhile, said the United States is a global
leader in 270 of the 364 fields measured, with the European Union and Japan
coming in second and third in 60 and 34 areas, respectively.