Semiconductors in Republic of Korea 2024
The Semiconductor Global Expert Mission (GEM) visited Seoul, Republic of Korea (RoK) in February 2024, with the purpose of identifying areas of potential collaboration between UK innovators and RoK partners on semiconductor research and development (R&D).
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The Semiconductor Global Expert Mission (GEM) to Seoul, Republic of Korea, aimed to explore potential collaborations between UK and Korean partners in semiconductor R&D, focusing on fostering innovation partnerships and understanding the Korean semiconductor market.
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The mission focused on semiconductor manufacturing, compound and wide bandgap semiconductors, and advanced packaging. It sought to identify both challenges and opportunities in collaboration.
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Meetings were held with Samsung Semiconductor and SK Hynix, the two largest global memory manufacturers, as well as visits to key research institutions like Seoul National University’s Inter-University Semiconductor Research Centre and KIAT.
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A roundtable discussion involved organisations like the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA), KETI, and the National NanoFab Center, identifying areas for collaboration including advanced memory, photonics, and telecom R&D.
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Key opportunities included custom and fabless semiconductor design, compound semiconductor technology, heterogeneous integration and advanced packaging, photonics, wireless technology, and skills development in the semiconductor sector.
Abstract from outcome report:
During the five-day mission, the GEM delegates attended the SEMICON Korea conference and trade show, and had meetings with both Samsung Semiconductor and SK Hynix, the two largest semiconductor manufacturers in the RoK – these companies are also the two leading memory manufacturers globally. The GEM also visited the Inter-University Semiconductor Research Centre at Seoul National University and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), which is a quasi-governmental organisation that promotes the development of industrial technology in the RoK. Finally, a roundtable discussion was held with key industry and academic stakeholders to discuss the potential for future collaboration in semiconductor innovation between the UK and the RoK.
About Global Expert Missions
The Global Expert Missions (GEM) programme is funded by Innovate UK and designed to build international collaborations with governments, societies, enterprises, institutions, and people from every corner of the globe. With global challenges requiring international perspectives, the programme aims to support the UK government’s ambition to be the international partner of choice and a global hub for innovation by 2035.