Value of overseas tech leaks tops 253 tln won: report

SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Yonhap) -- The value of South Korean technology leaked overseas
reached 253 trillion won (US$216 billion) over the last five years, a government
report said Wednesday, highlighting the need to tighten controls over key
research projects.
Authorities detected 160 cases of local technology being unlawfully sent abroad
between 2004-2008, according to the report by the Ministry of Education, Science
and Technology. The total included technologies developed by state universities
and laboratories, though most involved private firms.
Last year, the amount of technology leaked overseas was valued at 79.8 trillion
won, up sharply from 26 cases totaling 32.9 trillion won in 2004, the report
said.
Of the leaked technologies during the cited period, 73 cases involved electronics
and other electrical devices, with 27 instances of leaked communication
technology and 23 cases of leaked precision machinery.
The report said the bulk of the illegal outflow of technology involved former
employees, with personal gains being a main motive behind the selling of
technologies to foreign companies and laboratories.
"The data shows that there is a clear need to better manage sensitive
technologies that cost a considerable amount of money to develop and the leak of
which could hurt South Korea's standing in key hi-tech markets down the road," a
ministry official said.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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