WASHINGTON—South Korea's industry ministry announced the establishment of technology cooperation centers at four prominent U.S. universities as part of an initiative to enhance bilateral relations in advanced industries. The Global Industrial Technology Cooperation Centers have been inaugurated at Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, Purdue University, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Industry and Energy, South Korea will begin joint research and development projects at these centers this year to secure technologies crucial for new growth engines. The announcement was made during the Korea-U.S. Advanced Industry and Technology Cooperation Forum, held alongside Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun's visit to Washington for a trilateral meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Japanese Industry Minister Ken Saito.
"In order to respond to the complex global crisis and challenges, seeking solidarity and cooperation with like-minded countries is crucial," Ahn stated. "Through the cooperation centers, we will pave the way for a solid technology alliance between South Korea and the U.S. and lead industrial innovation," he added.
The ministry aims to increase the number of these centers to 12 by 2027.