The South Korean government and Danish science and technology authorities have joined forces to promote human resource exchanges and collaborative research in emerging fields such as hydrogen energy and quantum technology.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the successful convening of the 3rd Korea-Denmark Joint Committee on Science and Technology, held at the Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education (DAFSHE).

The Joint Committee on Science and Technology serves as a regular intergovernmental meeting, established through a memorandum of understanding on science and technology cooperation signed between the two countries in 2012. Over the years, the committee has facilitated discussions on various avenues for enhancing cooperation in the field of science and technology.

During the latest committee meeting, both sides shared their respective science and technology policies and explored opportunities for collaboration with the European Union (EU). The Korean delegation introduced the Nordic Science and Technology Cooperation Center, which was established in Sweden in 2021, aiming to foster science and technology cooperation with Nordic countries. The center is expected to serve as a vital platform for future researcher exchanges between South Korea and Denmark.

Another focus of the meeting was hydrogen technology. Recognizing hydrogen energy as a crucial pathway to achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing energy security, the two countries discussed ways to collaborate in this area. Denmark, renowned for its advanced wind technology, is particularly interested in becoming a leading producer of green hydrogen, produced through water electrolysis without generating carbon dioxide. South Korea, with its expertise in high-efficiency water electrolysis technology and hydrogen/fuel cell mobility, aims to leverage Denmark’s green hydrogen production technology to drive progress in this field.

The committee also delved into the topic of quantum technology. Denmark has been actively pursuing the development of quantum technology and has even attracted the NATO Quantum Technology Center. Both countries shared their respective policies and initiatives related to quantum technology, deepening their understanding of each other’s approaches. The committee agreed to explore future measures for cooperation, including personnel exchanges and joint research endeavors.

Ryu Gwang-joon, head of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Keynote Office, expressed optimism about the potential collaboration, stating, “Through the Joint Committee on Science and Technology, we have confirmed the possibilities for science and technology cooperation between South Korea and Denmark.”

This partnership between South Korea and Denmark in the field of science and technology holds significant promise for advancing future technologies, addressing global challenges, and fostering innovation. By combining their respective strengths and expertise, the two countries aim to make meaningful contributions to the development and deployment of hydrogen energy, quantum technology, and other cutting-edge fields.