EU and South Korea discuss scientific cooperation agreement
European Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin, and South Korean Minister for science and technology, Ho Koon Park, met in Brussels on 16 May to discuss enhancing bilateral scientific collaboration between the two regions. Since the signing of the first framework agreement for cooperation in 1996, the EU and South Korea have continued to develop close links in a number of areas, such as the use of international standards and conformity assessment systems, science and technology, the environment and energy. In addition to working together more closely, Mr Park and Mr Busquin noted that the EU and South Korea have a very similar approach to research. For instance, when it comes to setting research priorities, both regions have placed similar emphasis on research areas such as biotechnology, information technology, nanotechnology, and environmental and space technologies. Furthermore, like the EU, South Korea is taking action to counter the potential 'brain drain' that is expected to increase in coming years. In terms of investment, South Korea also aims to increase public and private support for research and, despite the current economic slump; it has successfully maintained a level of research expenditure equal to three per cent of GDP. However, both Mr Busquin and Mr Park agreed that more needed to be done to bring about closer collaboration between the two regions. To this end, Mr Busquin backed Mr Park's proposal of jointly organising a Korean science day in Europe and a European science day in South Korea. They also agreed that it would be in the interests of both parties to examine the conditions for a scientific and technological agreement that would facilitate better synergy and exchange of best practices between South Korea and the EU. Such an agreement is expected to pave the way for South Korean participation in the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), as well as European participation in Korean research programmes. Also included in the discussions was the possible opening of a joint research support facility within the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). Talks also addressed South Korea's interest in participating in the negotiations surrounding the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER). Mr Park expressly asked for the Commissioner's support in this matter, which was reciprocated by Mr Busquin. South Korea and the EU are also expected to sign a cooperation agreement in the field of nuclear fusion research next month.
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