Dec 27, 2016 | By Tess

South Korea has been at the forefront of adopting 3D printing technologies in many fields. Within the medical sector, for instance, it has explored fast-track approval for 3D printed devices, and the South Korean government has also forged ahead with tax exemption policies for companies pursuing research and development for 3D printing technologies. We can likely expect to see even more innovation coming out of South Korea now, as the government has published a list of emerging technology sectors, which includes 3D printing, at the 8th Information and Communication Strategy Committee.

The technologies listed, which also include fifth-generation telecommunications and artificial intelligence, will be focused on for further development, and are considered as key “next-generation drivers of growth”. While not much has been disclosed in terms of how much money will be invested into growing and advancing these technological sectors, they will receive some sort of funding.

According to the list, technologies such as 3D printing, virtual reality, IoT, and self-driving vehicles will benefit from investments from the South Korean government. In terms of 3D printing technologies specifically, the South Korean government is reportedly planning to help the country’s automotive and aerospace industries adopt additive manufacturing. It will also promote the use of 3D printing within the defense, railroad transportation, and medical sectors.

Aside from 3D printing, the South Korean government is also planning to introduce a 5G telecommunications network by the year 2020. According to a release, this means that telecom carriers will be given access to a high-frequency spectrum for the new 5G service as of 2019. The new 5G network reportedly has speeds up to 100 times faster than current 4G wireless networks. The government’s support of technologies like VR/AR, artificial intelligence, and self-driving cars is linked to the release of the new 5G network, as they are technologies that would benefit highly from faster operating speeds. Other applications that are being pushed in the lead-up to 5G are “smart city”, disaster response, and medical care.

The newly released plan also lays out strategies to deal with increasing cyber-hacking threats, which include funding programs and firms that are developing AI-based security technologies and services. This essentially means that computers could be adapted to fend off cyber-attacks themselves thanks to advanced artificial intelligence.

As part of the cyber-security effort, South Korea will establish a government body that will deal explicitly with South Korea’s cyber safety. In addition to AI-based security measures, the cyber-security plan will also involve investing in block-chain security technologies, which will make it more difficult for hackers to counterfeit and steal. This investment marks the first time that the South Korean government has put funding towards R&D for block-chain security.

Lastly, the plan addresses ways to help bolster struggling industries such as the shipbuilding industry. As we’ve previously covered, the country is putting $20 million towards developing and advancing technologies such as 3D printing and IoT at a shipbuilding center in Ulsan.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

Maybe you also like:











