1. Korean Initiatives on Biotechnology: Challenges and Opportunities
Expert Group Meeting, BINASIA
29-30 April, 2004
Bangkok, Thailand
Sang Ki Rhee, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator, BINASIA
Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology

2. Biotechnology Calendar
In the 1980s : Implementing stage
Korea Biotechnology Research Association was founded.
Biotechnology Promotion Law was enacted.
KRIBB was founded.
In the 1990s : Take-off stage
Bioindustry Association of Korea was founded.
HAN Project was launched.
Biotech 2000 Program (Phase I) was initiated.
“The Year of Biotechnology” was declared.
Biotech 2000 Program (Phase II) was launched
Korea has a traditionally sound basis for biotechnological research and has related industrial capabilities.
Many fermentation products (soy sauce, kimchi etc.) have been used for thousands of years in Korean life.
In recognition that biotechnology is the key discipline that will allow the nation to become one of the top developed countries in the world in the 21st century, the nation’s policy makers support life science and biotechnology as the highest priority in R&D investment in order to enhance the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
Seoul. Despite a struggling economy battered by financial scandals, South Korea still plans almost to double its support for biotechnology next year as part of a programme under which government and industry have promised to invest US$18 billion over a 14-year period. But Korean scientists still face obstacles before a strong biotechnology industry can be developed.
In the 2000s : Leaping-up stage
Frontier Research Program was launched.
“The Year of Biotechnology” was designated
Biotech 2000 Program (Phase III) was launched.
Biotechnology in Korea

3. National Initiatives (I)
Background
Korea recognized in early 1980s that biotechnology would emerge as a key discipline for the nation’s economic growth in the 21st century.
Its policy makers support biotechnology with the highest priority for R&D investment in order to level up the nation’s competitiveness.
The Korean government recently unveiled a major initiative to boost scientific R&D focusing on biotechnology.
Korea has a traditionally sound basis for biotechnological research and has related industrial capabilities.
Many fermentation products (soy sauce, kimchi etc.) have been used for thousands of years in Korean life.
In recognition that biotechnology is the key discipline that will allow the nation to become one of the top developed countries in the world in the 21st century, the nation’s policy makers support life science and biotechnology as the highest priority in R&D investment in order to enhance the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
Seoul. Despite a struggling economy battered by financial scandals, South Korea still plans almost to double its support for biotechnology next year as part of a programme under which government and industry have promised to invest US$18 billion over a 14-year period. But Korean scientists still face obstacles before a strong biotechnology industry can be developed.
National technology road map (NTRM) for biotechnology was
set up in 2002
Biotechnology in Korea

4. National Initiatives (II)
Implementation
The government’s investment on biotechnology has increased dramatically since (growth rate: 19.8% in 2003)
The ratio between biotechnology and total R&D expenditure by the government has been increasing.
- Biotechnology: 3.5% (’94) → 8% (‘01) → 10% (’03)
- Average growth rate (’98-’01): biotechnology 46%, total R&D 19.4%
The implementing policy: “Selection and focus”
Korea has a traditionally sound basis for biotechnological research and has related industrial capabilities.
Many fermentation products (soy sauce, kimchi etc.) have been used for thousands of years in Korean life.
In recognition that biotechnology is the key discipline that will allow the nation to become one of the top developed countries in the world in the 21st century, the nation’s policy makers support life science and biotechnology as the highest priority in R&D investment in order to enhance the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
Seoul. Despite a struggling economy battered by financial scandals, South Korea still plans almost to double its support for biotechnology next year as part of a programme under which government and industry have promised to invest US$18 billion over a 14-year period. But Korean scientists still face obstacles before a strong biotechnology industry can be developed.
The policy has changed from unit projects in small scale for application and development to long term large scale projects for platform and research since 2000.
Biotechnology in Korea

5. Biotechnology in Korea
Biotech 2000 : Overview
Set up by the Korean government
Objective: to place Korea’s biotechnological capability at the world’s top level.
Duration: 1994 ∼ 2007 (14 years)
Investment: Total US$14.3 bil.(Public US$5.5bil./Private US$8.8bil.) Phase I (’94-’97): US$1.5 bil.(Public US$ 482mil./Private US$ 1.0bil.)
- Phase II (‘98-’01): US$2.3 bil.(Public US$ 720mil./Private US$ 1.6bil)
- Phase III (‘02-’07): US$10.5 bil.(Public US$ 4.3bil/Private US$ 6.2bil)
Participating Agencies (7 Ministries, coordinated by MOST)
- Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)
- Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE)
- Ministry of Education and HRD (MOEHRD)
- Ministry of Environment (MOE)
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MOAF)
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW)
- Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF)
The Biotech 2000 Project has two aims. One is to place Korea’s biotechnological capabilities at competitive levels with those of the world’s leading countries.
The other one is to accelerate technological transfer of biotechnological research to commercial applications.
The project has the three phases. Each phase has its own strategic objectives.
PhaseⅠ, from 1994 to 1997, successfully achieved its goal to develop bioprocessing/manufacturing technology and improve industrial biotechnology R&D capabilities
PhaseⅡ is now under way with the aim of extending the scientific foundation for the development of new biotechnology.
The last phase, Phase Ⅲ is to run from 2003 to Its goal is to extend Korea’s world market share of biotechnological products
The Biotech 2000 programme was set up by the government in 1994 as an offshoot of the Highly Advanced National Project -- otherwise known as the G-7 project -- which aims to catch up with the world's seven leading industrialized countries in a broad spectrum of key technologies (see Nature 354, 177; 1991).
Biotech 2000 aims specifically to catch up in biotechnology by the year 2007, the minister of science and technology, Sook-Il Kwun, said at the opening this month of a conference in Seoul on 'Bioscience Meets Engineering', co-organized by Nature and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB).
Almost US$500 million has been invested by the government in the first four years of the programme, matched by about $1 billion from industry. Next year, the government will increase its budget by 80 per cent to $312 million, while industry plans to boost its contribution by 30 per cent to $470 million.
Seven ministries are participating in the project. Research focuses on strategic areas that include biomaterials, biomedical engineering, genome analysis, cell culture, breeding of biological resources, food and environmental biotechnology, bioenergy production and basic life science
Biotechnology in Korea

6. Biotech 2000 : Operating Structure (I)
National Committee for
Biotechnology & Bioindustry
MOEHRD
HRD
Creative
Basic
Research
R&D Support
MOST
National Programs
Infrastructure
TRM
MOCIE
Industrial
Platform Technol.
Commercialization
Industrialization
Support
The Biotech 2000 Project has two aims. One is to place Korea’s biotechnological capabilities at competitive levels with those of the world’s leading countries.
The other one is to accelerate technological transfer of biotechnological research to commercial applications.
The project has the three phases. Each phase has its own strategic objectives.
PhaseⅠ, from 1994 to 1997, successfully achieved its goal to develop bioprocessing/manufacturing technology and improve industrial biotechnology R&D capabilities
PhaseⅡ is now under way with the aim of extending the scientific foundation for the development of new biotechnology.
The last phase, Phase Ⅲ is to run from 2003 to Its goal is to extend Korea’s world market share of biotechnological products
The Biotech 2000 programme was set up by the government in 1994 as an offshoot of the Highly Advanced National Project -- otherwise known as the G-7 project -- which aims to catch up with the world's seven leading industrialized countries in a broad spectrum of key technologies (see Nature 354, 177; 1991).
Biotech 2000 aims specifically to catch up in biotechnology by the year 2007, the minister of science and technology, Sook-Il Kwun, said at the opening this month of a conference in Seoul on 'Bioscience Meets Engineering', co-organized by Nature and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB).
Almost US$500 million has been invested by the government in the first four years of the programme, matched by about $1 billion from industry. Next year, the government will increase its budget by 80 per cent to $312 million, while industry plans to boost its contribution by 30 per cent to $470 million.
Seven ministries are participating in the project. Research focuses on strategic areas that include biomaterials, biomedical engineering, genome analysis, cell culture, breeding of biological resources, food and environmental biotechnology, bioenergy production and basic life science
Industrial Applications
MOAF
MOHW
MOE
MOMAF
Agro-
Biotech
Medical
Environ.
Marine
Biotechnology in Korea

7. Biotech 2000 : Operating Structure (II)
National Committee for Biotechnology & Bioindustry
MOST, MOCIE, MOEHRD, MOHW, MOE, MOAF, MOMAF
Academia
Industry
Research Institutions
Korea Biotechnology Research Association
Bioindustry Association of Korea
Korea Bioventure Association
Private Companies
Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology
Other governmental or public research institutions
Universities
Research Centers (SRC, ERC, RRC, MRC)
National Research Laboratories
The Biotech 2000 Project has two aims. One is to place Korea’s biotechnological capabilities at competitive levels with those of the world’s leading countries.
The other one is to accelerate technological transfer of biotechnological research to commercial applications.
The project has the three phases. Each phase has its own strategic objectives.
PhaseⅠ, from 1994 to 1997, successfully achieved its goal to develop bioprocessing/manufacturing technology and improve industrial biotechnology R&D capabilities
PhaseⅡ is now under way with the aim of extending the scientific foundation for the development of new biotechnology.
The last phase, Phase Ⅲ is to run from 2003 to Its goal is to extend Korea’s world market share of biotechnological products
The Biotech 2000 programme was set up by the government in 1994 as an offshoot of the Highly Advanced National Project -- otherwise known as the G-7 project -- which aims to catch up with the world's seven leading industrialized countries in a broad spectrum of key technologies (see Nature 354, 177; 1991).
Biotech 2000 aims specifically to catch up in biotechnology by the year 2007, the minister of science and technology, Sook-Il Kwun, said at the opening this month of a conference in Seoul on 'Bioscience Meets Engineering', co-organized by Nature and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB).
Almost US$500 million has been invested by the government in the first four years of the programme, matched by about $1 billion from industry. Next year, the government will increase its budget by 80 per cent to $312 million, while industry plans to boost its contribution by 30 per cent to $470 million.
Seven ministries are participating in the project. Research focuses on strategic areas that include biomaterials, biomedical engineering, genome analysis, cell culture, breeding of biological resources, food and environmental biotechnology, bioenergy production and basic life science
Biotechnology in Korea

8. Biotech 2000 : Strategic Objectives
To increase the commercializing capability and expand the nation’s world market share of domestic bioproducts to 5 %
To develop platform technology and improve industrial R&D capability
To establish a scientific foundation for the development of novel biotechnology
III(2002~2007)
II(1998~2001)
I(1994~1997)
Objective
Phase
The Biotech 2000 Project has two aims. One is to place Korea’s biotechnological capabilities at competitive levels with those of the world’s leading countries.
The other one is to accelerate technological transfer of biotechnological research to commercial applications.
The project has the three phases. Each phase has its own strategic objectives.
PhaseⅠ, from 1994 to 1997, successfully achieved its goal to develop bioprocessing/manufacturing technology and improve industrial biotechnology R&D capabilities
PhaseⅡ is now under way with the aim of extending the scientific foundation for the development of new biotechnology.
The last phase, Phase Ⅲ is to run from 2003 to Its goal is to extend Korea’s world market share of biotechnological products
The Biotech 2000 programme was set up by the government in 1994 as an offshoot of the Highly Advanced National Project -- otherwise known as the G-7 project -- which aims to catch up with the world's seven leading industrialized countries in a broad spectrum of key technologies (see Nature 354, 177; 1991).
Biotech 2000 aims specifically to catch up in biotechnology by the year 2007, the minister of science and technology, Sook-Il Kwun, said at the opening this month of a conference in Seoul on 'Bioscience Meets Engineering', co-organized by Nature and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB).
Almost US$500 million has been invested by the government in the first four years of the programme, matched by about $1 billion from industry. Next year, the government will increase its budget by 80 per cent to $312 million, while industry plans to boost its contribution by 30 per cent to $470 million.
Seven ministries are participating in the project. Research focuses on strategic areas that include biomaterials, biomedical engineering, genome analysis, cell culture, breeding of biological resources, food and environmental biotechnology, bioenergy production and basic life science
Biotechnology in Korea

9. Biotechnology in Korea
Biotech 2000 : Investment
The government spent U$ 482 million for R&D during the Phase I, and U$ 720 million during the Phase II.
In the Phase III, the total investment is expected to increase substantially to U$ 4,303 million.
(Unit : U$ mil.)
Agency
Phase I
(‘94-’97)
Phase II
(‘98-’01)
Total
Phase III ( )
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Sub
MOST
269
317
172
207
340
408
496
1,892
2,478
MOEHRD 25 32 35 43 57 71 86
104
396
453
MOAF 90
135 48 60 79 99
119
145
550
775
MOCIE 21
141 53 93
117
171
646
808
MOHW 56 51 47 69 89
112
164
620
723
MOE 11 36 10 12 16 20 24 30
159
MOMAF 8 9 19 23 87
109
482
720
377
471
615
932
1,133
4,303
5,505
Investment for biotechnology R&D greatly increased, thanks to the Biotech 2000 Project from US $67mil. in 1994 to US $215 mil. in 1997
The ratio of investment to the national overall R&D fund also surged from 4.3% in 1994 to 5.8% in 1997
Biotechnology in Korea

10. Ministry of Science and Technology (I)
Role
Supports for R&D activities from basic science to application
Major Programs
G-7 Project (HAN Project)
21C Frontier Science Program
G-7 Project
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 193 million
Main Area: Screening of lead compounds and commercialization
21C Frontier Science Program
Supports core science and emerging technologies for 21st century
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 3.6 billion
Main Areas:
- Functional analysis of human, microbial and crop genomes
- Biodiversity of indigenous plants
- Stem cell biology and therapeutic applications
- Proteomics research
- High throughput screening of novel compounds for bioregulators
using structural biology and pharmacogenomics
Biotechnology in Korea

11. Ministry of Science and Technology (II)
Role
Supports for R&D activities ranging basic science to application
Major Programs
National R&D Program
Basic Life Science Promotion Program
National R&D Programs
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 600 million
Main Areas:
- BioDiscovery Program (Screening and development of new drugs )
- BioChallenge Program (Preclinical studies and commercialization of biodrugs)
- BioFusion Program (Integrated technology with IT and NT)
- BioInfra Program (National Genome Information Center)
Basic Life Science Promotion Program
Supports for basic life science programs
Duration: 1978-
Main Area: SRC, ERC, RRC, MRC
Biotechnology in Korea

12. Ministry of Commerce, Industry
and Energy
Role
Builds infrastructure for industrialization and commercialization
Major Programs
Industrial Platform Technology Development
Industrial Platform Technology Development
Develops common platform technology, mid-term core technology and technology for next generation
Duration: 1992~ , Total Budget: U$ 808 million
Main Areas:
- Development of processes for bioenergy production
- Development of biosensors, BIOMEMS, Biomimics
Development of DNA microarrays and protein chips (Lab-on-a-chip)
Cell culture technology for therapeutic proteins
Infrastructure (GMP, Bioclusters)
Biotechnology in Korea

13. Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development
Role
Supports for the development of HR in biotechnology
Major Programs
Brain Korea 21 Program
Brain Korea 21 Program
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 150 million
Major Areas:
- Human resources development in higher learning and industrial skills
- Reform of higher education programs
- Upgrade of graduate research infrastructure in biotechnology
Biotechnology in Korea

14. Ministry of Health and Welfare
Role
Supports for the development of biotechnology in public health and medical sectors
Major Programs
Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals
Medical Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 900 million
Major Areas:
- Prevention, diagnosis, and treatments of diseases to improve public health
- Development of new drugs
- Development of vaccines, anti-aging and anti-cancer new drugs
- Analysis of Korean genome types
- Neurobiology and brain research (Braintech 21)
- Gene therapy
Biotechnology in Korea

15. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Role
Supports for R&D in agrobiotechnology and horticulture
Major Programs
BioGreen 21 Program
BioGreen 21 Program
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 1 billion
Major Areas:
- Collection, assessment, preservation of genetic resources of biodiversity
- Development of breeding technology for transgenic animals and plants
- Research on animal and plant genomics
- Biosafety issues on GMOs
- Biodiversity and Bioprospecting
Biotechnology in Korea

16. Ministry of Environment
Role
Supports for R&D in environmental biotechnology
Major Programs
Environmental Biotechnology Promotion Program
Environmental Biotechnology Promotion Program
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 116 million
Major Areas:
- Screening and isolation of environmental microbes
- Bioremediation
- Development of biosensors for monitoring of environmental pollutants
- Conservation of natural environment and sustainable development
Biotechnology in Korea

17. Ministry of Marine Affairs
and Fisheries
Role
Supports for R&D in marine biotechnology and aquaculture
Major Programs
Marine Biotechnology and Aquaculture Technology Promotion Programs
Marine Biotechnology and Aquaculture Technology Promotion Programs
Duration: , Total Budget: U$ 100 million
Major Areas:
- Bioprospecting from marine bioresources
- Search and utilization of polar biodiversity
- Development of transgenic fishes
- Development of new aquaculture technology
- Screening of marine GMOs
Biotechnology in Korea

18. Biotechnology in Korea
Bioindustry
Domestic biotechnology market
(Unit: US mil.)
Description
1995
1997
1999
2001
Total
200
330
530
1,000
Types of business
Type
Pharma-
ceuticals
Food
Chemicals
Agriculture
Process
Engineering
Environment % 58 12 9 8 7 6
Korea vs. World
(as of 2000)
Description
Korea
USA
Japan EU
Market Size (U$ mil.)
900
22,300
7,200
6,000
Growth Rate (%) 30 22 20
Biotechnology in Korea

19. Investment in Bioindustry
Total R&D spending in bioindustry
(Unit : U$ mil.)
Description
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Total
447
478
525
584
676
Investment plans
- CJ: U$ 1.4 bil. for R&D for 5 years ( )
- Samsung Fine Chemicals: U$ 300 mil. for R&D for 3 years ( )
- LGCI: U$ 50 mil. invested to bioventures in 2000
- SK Global: U$ 35 mil. invested to bioventures in 2000
- Hanwha Chemical Co.: U$ 50 mil. for R&D in 2000
- Hansol: U$ 150 mil. for R&D from 2000 to 2006
- Isu Chemical : U$ 150 mil. for R&D in the period of
Biotechnology in Korea

20. Biotechnology in Korea
Bioventures
Government’s initiative to boost bioventure business
- MOCIE pushes a 5-year program to encourage the bioventure business. It earmarked a U$ 30 mil. fund in FY 2000's budget to develop the infrastructure needed by bioventure start-ups.
- Focusing on commercialization of biotechnology, the Korean government announced a package that envisages to create 600 bioventures by 2003 and to expand the number to 1,000 by 2007.
Current status and prospects of bioventures in Korea
Description
2001
2004
2007
No. of start-ups
500
700
1,000
No. of employees
6,500
15,000
45,000
Market Size (U$ bil.)
1.0
2.1
5.8
By R&D fields, over 70 % of the total investment has been made in three fields ; health care, basic life sciences and agriculture, forestry, fisheries & foods.
In particular, nearly 40% of the overall investment has been put in health care.
Biotechnology in Korea

21. Facts and Status : the Success Story
Amino acids : 20 % share of world market in 2000 (U$ 75 million)
Ryfamycin : 10% share of world market in 2000 (U$ 7.5 million)
Hepatitis B Vaccine : Developed in 1987 by Korea Green Cross Corp. World market share was rapidly increased (40% in 1999)
Recombinant human growth hormone : Developed by LG Chemical Ltd. Technology transferred to SmithKline Beecham of U.K. in 1990.
First domestic new drug, Sunpla, for anticancer: Developed in 1997 by SK Chemicals and approved by KFDA. Technology transferred to Johnson & Johnson Co.
First global new drug, Factive, for anti-infectious diseases : Developed by LGCI and approved by FDA in 2003.
Korea has a traditionally sound basis for biotechnological research and has related industrial capabilities.
Many fermentation products (soy sauce, kimchi etc.) have been used for thousands of years in Korean life.
In recognition that biotechnology is the key discipline that will allow the nation to become one of the top developed countries in the world in the 21st century, the nation’s policy makers support life science and biotechnology as the highest priority in R&D investment in order to enhance the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
About 300 new drugs are under development. Among them, 23 new drugs are in progress or in completion of clinical trials for FDA approval.
Biotechnology in Korea

22. Manpower in Biotechnology
By distribution
Description
1994
1996
1998
2000
Total Number
7,595
8,230
8,485
9,392
Universities (%)
50.4
52.3
54.0
55.4
Private Companies (%)
28.7
27.8
27.1
25.0
Government Research Institutions (%)
20.9
19.9
18.9
19.6
By degrees
Description
1994
1996
1998
2000
Total Number
7,595
8,230
8,485
9,392
Ph. D. (%)
43.7
44.7
46.3
47.1
M. S. (%)
35.4
38.0
37.4
36.5
B. S. (%)
20.9
17.3
16.3
16.4
Even if Korean biotechnology is still in the fledgling stage, the increasing rate of publications and patents is outstanding.
These two tables show the number of publications and patents by year. From 1992 to 1996, average growth rate of the number of publications by Korean scientists was 57%, which outpaced that by the French, the Japanese, and even the Americans.
Regarding the number of patents, Korea had a mere 1/26th compared with the USA, and 1/19th compared with Japan in 1993.
But in 1996, the number of patents surged to 1/10th, and one- fifth compared with the USA and Japan, respectively.
Biotechnology in Korea

23. Patents & Publications
Publications in SCI journals ( in genomics and proteomics)
Description
1994
1998
1999
2000
Korea 21
135
157
185
USA
2,871
4,004
4,318
4,500
Japan
643
1,147
1,238
1,236
Korea/USA (%)
0.7
3.4
3.6
4.1
Korea/Japan (%)
3.3
11.8
12.7
15.0
US patents registered
Description
Korea 20 83
USA
2,993
10,480
Japan
741
1,153
Korea/USA (%)
0.7
0.8
Korea/Japan (%)
2.7
7.2
Even if Korean biotechnology is still in the fledgling stage, the increasing rate of publications and patents is outstanding.
These two tables show the number of publications and patents by year. From 1992 to 1996, average growth rate of the number of publications by Korean scientists was 57%, which outpaced that by the French, the Japanese, and even the Americans.
Regarding the number of patents, Korea had a mere 1/26th compared with the USA, and 1/19th compared with Japan in 1993.
But in 1996, the number of patents surged to 1/10th, and one- fifth compared with the USA and Japan, respectively.
Biotechnology in Korea

24. Biotechnology in Korea
Biosafety Issues
Background
- In 2000, more than 130 countries including Korea reached an agreement
to adopt the Biosafety Protocol which applies to the transboundary
movement, transit, handling and use of all LMOs.
- The Korean government set up an interministrial committee to assess the
safety of LMO products in 2000.
- The Act for trans-boundary movement of LMOs was enacted in 2001.
Governmental agencies in charge
Agency
Role / Activities
MOFAT
Focal point
MOST
Preparation of regulatory guidelines to oversee recombinant DNA plants
MOHW
Providing guidelines for recombinant DNA experimental research
MOE
Proposed to the National Assembly to enact a law regulating research with an environmental impact and industrial applications
MOCIE
Preparing a draft law to supervise the National Assembly with biosafety management and the import and export of LMOs for enactment
Korea has a traditionally sound basis for biotechnological research and has related industrial capabilities.
Many fermentation products (soy sauce, kimchi etc.) have been used for thousands of years in Korean life.
In recognition that biotechnology is the key discipline that will allow the nation to become one of the top developed countries in the world in the 21st century, the nation’s policy makers support life science and biotechnology as the highest priority in R&D investment in order to enhance the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
Biotechnology in Korea

25. International Cooperation
International joint research projects in 2000
Description
All Areas
Biotech. Areas
No. of Projects
Spending (A) (U$ mil.)
Spending(B)
(U$ mil.)
Percentage (B/A)
MOST
133
6.9 34
1.5
21.5
KOSEF
187
2.4 52
0.7
27.8
MOCIE
5.2 3
0.4
5.8
RDA 21 9
0.2
50. 0
* RDA: Rural Development Administration
Overseas Cooperation Programs & joint research centers
- Joint Research Center at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, USA
- Korea-UK Bioindustry Collaboration Program (HGMPRC, Bio-Nano IRC)
- Korea-France S&T Focal Points Program (focal point in biotech area)
- Korea-China Bioscience and Biotechnology Cooperation Center (Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, CAS)
- Korea-Israel Biotechnology Collaboration Program (Weizmann Ins. of Science)
- Bioventure Incubating Centers (Germany, USA)
Korea has a traditionally sound basis for biotechnological research and has related industrial capabilities.
Many fermentation products (soy sauce, kimchi etc.) have been used for thousands of years in Korean life.
In recognition that biotechnology is the key discipline that will allow the nation to become one of the top developed countries in the world in the 21st century, the nation’s policy makers support life science and biotechnology as the highest priority in R&D investment in order to enhance the nation’s industrial competitiveness.
Biotechnology in Korea

26. Challenges and Opportunities :
SWOT Analysis (I)
Strengths
- Strong drive policy by the government
- Good R&D infrastructure in industry, universities and research institutes
- Booming bioventure business
- Skilled manpower
- Strong knowledge and industry bases
Weaknesses
- Shortage of innovative R&Ds for platform technology
- Comparatively insufficient R&D expenditure
- Weak link between industry and academia
- Small domestic market and limited marketing power for global sales
- Poor biodiversity and bioresources
Biotechnology in Korea

27. Challenges and Opportunities :
SWOT Analysis (II)
Opportunities
- Paradigm shift in biotechnology for post genomic era
- Top priority in national R&D projects
- Increase of public awareness in health and welfare
- Emerging new technology innovation
Threats
- Growing competition worldwide
- Depression of local investment atmosphere
- Regulatory issues: biosafety and bioethics
Biotechnology in Korea

28. Biotechnology in Korea
Competitiveness
(as of 2002)
Description
Technology
Competitiveness
(% of Top Level)
Basic Technology
Genetic Engineering/Genomics
Protein Engineering/Proteomics
Cell Engineering/Immunology
Transgenic Animals/Plants
80/50
70/50
80/60
85/70
New Drug Development
Screening
Structure Analysis
Efficacy/Valuation
Biosafety Evaluation 70 50 30
Process Development
Fermentation/Process
Cell Culture Technology
Bioreactor Design
Separation/Purification
90/80 75 40 65
Overall (%)
60-70
Biotechnology is expected to become a major integral part of the 21st century global economy.
The “Biotech 2000” program is the Korean government’s commitment for the promotion of biotechnological R&D.
By the early years of the upcoming century, Korea will be one of the top developed countries in biotechnology, once a successful follow-up of the “Biotech 2000” program is made.
The program also emphasizes the promotion of international cooperation in biotechnology, including the promotion of joint research and exchange of scientific information.
Korea will contribute to the progress of the world’s life sciences, human health care, and global environmental protection through the development of environmentally sound and sustainable technology.
Biotechnology in Korea

29. Biotechnology in Korea
Vision 2010 현재 종 합
13th in the world
2000
Competitiveness 선진 7 개국
2010
G-7 level
5% of total governmental
R&D spending 종 합
R&D Spending
20% of total governmental R&D spending 종 합
R&D Capability
(% of top level)
Basic: 70%
NDD: 50%
Process: 70%
Basic: 90%
NDD: 90%
Process: 90%
Size:
- World: U$150 bil.
- Korea: U$ 10 bil.
Share: 6.6% of world market
By R&D fields, over 70 % of the total investment has been made in three fields ; health care, basic life sciences and agriculture, forestry, fisheries & foods.
In particular, nearly 40% of the overall investment has been put in health care. 종 합
Market
Size:
- World: U$ 54 bil.
- Korea: U$ 0.9 bil.
Share: 1.7 % of world market
Biotechnology in Korea

30. Biotechnology in Korea
Summary
Biotechnology is a key platform to accelerate the national economic growth in Korea.
Korea has set up a solid strategy to achieve international competitiveness by leveraging existing capabilities and creating new strengths.
- “selection and focus” on the areas with high international
competitiveness
Biotechnology is expected to become a major integral part of the 21st century global economy.
The “Biotech 2000” program is the Korean government’s commitment for the promotion of biotechnological R&D.
By the early years of the upcoming century, Korea will be one of the top developed countries in biotechnology, once a successful follow-up of the “Biotech 2000” program is made.
The program also emphasizes the promotion of international cooperation in biotechnology, including the promotion of joint research and exchange of scientific information.
Korea will contribute to the progress of the world’s life sciences, human health care, and global environmental protection through the development of environmentally sound and sustainable technology.
- implementation of inter-ministerial coordination for biotechnology
development
- promotion of international cooperation and strategic alliances
Biotechnology in Korea

31. Biotechnology in Korea
Thank you !
Biotechnology is expected to become a major integral part of the 21st century global economy.
The “Biotech 2000” program is the Korean government’s commitment for the promotion of biotechnological R&D.
By the early years of the upcoming century, Korea will be one of the top developed countries in biotechnology, once a successful follow-up of the “Biotech 2000” program is made.
The program also emphasizes the promotion of international cooperation in biotechnology, including the promotion of joint research and exchange of scientific information.
Korea will contribute to the progress of the world’s life sciences, human health care, and global environmental protection through the development of environmentally sound and sustainable technology.
Biotechnology in Korea

32. What should be put in BINASIA?
Science and Technology Related Data
National Science and Technology Policies
National Policies on Biotechnology
Biotechnology R&D Activities
Status of Biological Diversity
Biosafety Protocol
Manpower Training Centers / Programs
International Cooperation in Biotech Area
Bilateral Cooperation with Member Countries and beyond
Biotechnology Infrastructure
National Budget for the Promotion of Biotechnology
Biotechnology in Korea

33. Biotechnology in Korea
Key Factors
- Part A: Basic Data – Land Area, Population, GNP
- Part B: R&D – National R&D Expenditures in Total, National R&D
Expenditures in Biotech
- Part C: Human Resources – Number of Scientists in Biotech Area in
Total, Number of Scientists in Biotech Area by Sector
- Part D: Biotechnology Development and Diffusion – Bioindustry
Market (in Total and by Sector), International Trade in Bioproducts,
Number of Biotechnology Companies (Venture, Established), Number
of Patents(in Total, by Field), Number of Publications (Domestic and
Overseas), etc.
- Part E: International Cooperation – Number of Bilateral &
Multinational Agreements (MOU), Number of International
Cooperation Centers, Number of International Joint Research
Projects
Biotechnology in Korea