Seoul
South Korea has announced plans to create 39 international semiconductor standards by 2031 to strengthen its position in the global chip industry. The roadmap was revealed by the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) during an industry forum on Monday.
KATS aims to establish 15 new semiconductor standards by 2027, with the long-term goal of completing all 39 by 2031. These standards are expected to enhance South Korea’s technological leadership in semiconductors.
Oh Kwang-hae, head of KATS, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “We will work with experts from academia, industry, and research to secure global leadership through active standardization efforts.”
To bolster its efforts, South Korea is collaborating with the United States under a joint standards development initiative. KATS has already signed agreements with the American National Standards Institute and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to enhance cooperation on international platforms.
The initiative comes as South Korea braces for potential changes in U.S. trade and economic policies following Donald Trump’s re-election as President. Korea Ratings, a corporate analysis firm, predicts that while the CHIPS Act may remain intact, Trump’s policies could prioritize American companies, potentially reducing subsidies for allied firms like South Korea’s chipmakers.
To navigate these challenges, South Korea plans to improve coordination between its ministries, ensuring that its semiconductor industry remains competitive despite evolving global trade dynamics.
