S. Korea's nano tech level ranks fourth in the world: survey

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, July 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's global nano technology ranking stood at
fourth place thanks to extensive research and development (R&D) efforts and
training of qualified experts, a government survey said Tuesday.
The findings, based on polls conducted on 3,000 local experts and evaluations of
research papers and patents, showed the country's technology level reaching 75
percent of levels in the United States in 2008, the Ministry of Education,
Science and Technology said.
The United States is the global leader in the nanotech field, with Japan and
Germany coming in second and third, respectively, in terms of overall capability.
Japan is rated as having technology levels reaching 88.0 percent of those in the
United States with Germany trailing at 79.4 percent.
The ministry said that compared to 2001, when Seoul first began to concentrate on
nanotech development, the country has made considerable strides in such areas as
materials, components, the nano-bio sector and overall infrastructure.
In 2001, local experts said that South Korea's technology levels stood at just 25
percent of the United States.
"In terms of nano materials and components, the country has reached 81 percent
and 77.5 percent levels vis-a-vis the United States," said a ministry official,
adding the country received low scores only in such areas as security and
national defense.
Britain, China and France all received lower scores than South Korea in terms of
nanotech ranking.
"Compared to the past, South Korean experts, companies and laboratories are
receiving considerable attention from their overseas peers and such success can
be attributed to increased R&D investments, training of experts and concerted
support by the government and business sector," the official said.
Nanotechnology, which offers a wide range of applications in the industrial
sector and in the healthcare field, is being developed worldwide for its
considerable potential to improve the competitiveness of companies and enrich the
lives of people.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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