1. Policy Formulation and Implementation

The National Nanotechnology Initiative of Korea had started to get into gear in December, 2000 when the President instructed the National Science and Technology Council to prepare measures for the development of nanotechnology. Afterwards 21 experts from industries, universities and research institutes devoted 4 months to establishing the nanotechnology development strategies on the governmental level and held a public hearing in which opinions of domestic experts in nanotechnology were gathered. Then the “Nanotechnology Development Plan” was approved by the NSTC at its 8th meeting on July 18, 2001. The “Nanotechnology Development Plan” included the investment of 14,850 billion KRW(Korean Wons) in R&D over a period of 10 years from 2001 till 2010. After the establishment of the plan, policies for industrialization and manpower fostering were prepared as well as the legislation of  the “Nanotechnology Development Promotion Act”, which  reinforced nanotechnology development policies. In July, 2002 the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology was selected as the lead agency to build the National Nanofab Center as part of the nanotechnology infrastructure construction, and in May, 2003 the Korea Institute of Science and Technology was named as another lead agency for building the Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center. The Nanotechnology Development Promotion Act was passed on November 12, 2002 at the general meeting of the 234th regular session of the National Assembly with 180 out of the 181 National Assembly members present at the meeting in favor. The Act and its enforcement decree went into effect as of June 27, 2003. In December 2006, the National Science and Technology Council reviewed the 5-year outcomes of the Nanotechnology Development Plan, and approved the newly revised Phase-2 Plan for nanotechnology development for next 10 years that greatly reinforced the promotion system for nanotechnology development.

2. Nanotechnology Development Plans

(1) Phase-1 Nanotechnology Development Plan

The Phase-1 Nanotechnology Development Plan aimed at completing to build key infrastructures necessary for nanotechnology development within five years, and acquiring at least 10 world's top technologies  which can compete with those of five advanced countries by 2010. The Phase-1 Plan was designed in 3 stages, the first stage from 2001 to 2004, the second from 2005 to 2007, and the third from 2008 to 2010. Key areas of the plan included △R&D, △manpower fostering, and △equipment expansion and infrastructure building. R&D areas were selected considering strategic necessities and growth potential, which were differentially supported according to the categories such as reinforcement of competitiveness, acquisition of competitiveness, strengthening of technology infrastructure, and expansion of technology base. For manpower cultivation, short-, mid- and long-term plans were established.  Building research facilities and infrastructures focused on joint facilities utilization for researchers due to the limited financial resources.

(2) Phase-2 Nanotechnology Development Plan

Just five years after the establishment of the Phase-1 Nanotechnology Development Plan during which nanotechnology development was actively conducted throughout the country, the Phase-2 Nanotechnology Development Plan was formulated as a new national policy of nanotechnology development, and revealed the Government's aggressive intention to develop nanotechnology to respond more proactively to changing environments. The Phase-2 Plan presents 3 visions: △to become one of the top 3 countries in nanotechnology competitiveness by 2015, △preemption of the new technology market by linking to and fusing with other technologies, such as IT, BT and ET, and △realization of a safe and affluent society. The key objectives are to secure more than 30 top-class application technologies, to build education and joint research infrastructures, to occupy 20% of the global nanomarket in 2014 (equivalent to $500 billion in amount), and to develop technologies to meet social needs and address impacts of nanotechnology.

<Table 1> Visions and objectives of the Phase-2 Nanotechnology Development Plan

Visions Objectives Secure sustainable growth potential based on new technology (product) top 3 by 2015 in technology competitiveness Link to and incorporate with existing technologies preemption of new technology market based on fusion and synergy with other technologies, such as IT, BT, ET, etc. semiconductor, display, automobile and textile market robot and ubiquitous market nanofood and medical market fuel and solar cell market Improve the quality of human life realization of a safe, affluent and environment-friendly society conquest of cancer and dramatic improvement of diagnostics and treatment technologies for diseases removal of various pollutants and minimization of emission 4 objectives: R&D, education and infrastructure, reinforcement of industrial competitiveness, development of technologies responding to social needs R&D: secure at least 30 top-class technologies building education and joint research infrastructure: education for human resources and infrastructure for  joint facilities for research support reinforcement of industrial competitiveness through promotion of new-technology commercialization: 20% share ($500 billion) of the $2.6 trillion global nanomarket in 2014 (Lux Research report, 2004) development of technologies to meet social needs, and address impacts of nanotechnology

3. Nanotechnology Development Promotion Act

The Nanotechnology Development Plan is based on the Nanotechnology Development Promotion Act and the Enforcement Decree of the same Act. The Act, enacted in 2002, consists of 19 articles and 2 supplementary provisions, stipulating the establishment of the Nanotechnology Development Plan (Article 4), the establishment of its implementation plan (Article 5), the execution of R&D (Article 6), the organization and operation of the Nanotechnology Research Society (Article 7), nanotechnology impact assessment (Article 19), etc. The Enforcement Decree stipulates specific enforcement details of the said Act, such as the interval of establishing Nanotechnology Development Plans (every 5 years), annual implementation plans and preparation of achievement reports.

4. Implementation plan

Nanotechnology development in Korea is mostly under the charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE), the Ministry of Environment (MOE), the Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC), and other government-funded research institutes. Among them, MOST assumes the overall responsibility for nanotechnology R&D. The Fundamental Technology Development Division and the Basic Research Policy Division under the Basic Research Bureau of MOST are supervising nanotechnology R&D. The Fundamental Technology Development Division are responsible for △the establishment and implementation of the Nanotechnology Development Plan, △matters concerning operation and advancement of laws and regulations related to nanotechnology, △matters concerning infrastructures for rearing nanotechnology, △management of Fab facilities for nanotechnology R&D support, △analysis of trends of nanotechnology development and investment directions, and △reinforcement of the nanotechnology promotion system, such as long-term R&D projects and research infrastructures.

<Table 2> Actual Investments by Ministry and Area for 2005-2006

(Unit: 100 million KRW)

Ministry Year Area MOST MOE MOCIE MIC MOHW ME MND MAF Research Institutes Total 2005 R & D 639.6 18.0 501.0 88.0 19.2 163.0 1.5 6.3 263.8 1,700.4 Infrastructure 279.0 337.0 67.4 156.6 840.0 Manpower 16.0 112.0 3.0 5.0 136.0 Total 934.6 130.0 841.0 155.4 19.2 163.0 1.5 6.3 425.4 2,676.4 2006 R & D 637.1 19.0 568.0 209.4 21.0 170.0 4.4 6.4 340.9 1,976.2 Infrastructure 163.0 298.0 80.3 1.0 128.8 671.1 Manpower 15.8 93.0 4.0 8.0 5.0 125.8 Total 815.9 112.0 870.0 297.7 21.0 170.0 4.4 7.4 474.7 2,773.1 % increase - -12.7 -13.8 3.4 91.6 9.4 4.3 193.3 17.5 11.6 3.6

<Note> MOST : Ministry of Science and Technology MOE : Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development MOCIE : Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy MIC : Ministry of Information and Communication MOHW : Ministry of Health and Welfare ME : Ministry of Environment MND : Ministry of National Defense MAF : Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Additionally, the Headquarter of Science and Technology Innovation in the Ministry of Science and Technology instituted the Nanotechnology Coordination Committee, an inter-ministry comprehensive nanotechnology management system in April, 2006. During its 2-year tenure the Committee identifies new policies and technologies related to nanotechnology, reports gathered opinions of the experts and the public to the National Science and Technology Council as well as improvements in existing policies, provides related agencies with the report, and supports the policy and budget coordination at the inter-ministry level so that the ministry-level implementation plans are carried out efficiently according to the Nanotechnology Development Plan.

5. Key research projects

(1) Nanotechnology Frontier Programs

Nanotechnology Frontier Programs are large-scale R&D programs for domestic nanotechnology development initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Frontier Programs with each program lasting 10 years include the “Tera-level Nanodevice Development Program,” the “Nanostructured Materials Technology Development Program,” and the “Nanoscale Mechatronics & Manufacturing Technology Development Program.” ① Tera-level Nanodevice Development Program The “Tera-level Nanodevice Development Program” aims at developing ultra high speed, ultra large scale integration(ULSI), ultra low voltage nanodevices in order to overcome the limitations in the semiconductor device manaufacturing technology which we will face within 5~10 years. A total of 170 billion KRW (100 billion KRW from the Government and 70 billion KRW from the private sector) will be invested in this program over a 10-year period from 2000 to 2010. Key research areas of this program include tera-level nanoelectronics, spintronics, molecular electronic devices and core nanotechnologies. ② Nanostructured Materials Technology Development Program The “Nanostructured Materials Technology Development Program” aims at developing environment-friendly and high-efficient nanomaterials. A total of 120 billion KRW (90 billion KRW from the Government and 30 billion KRW from the private sector) will be invested in this program from  2002 to 2012. Research areas include environment-friendly high-strength nanomaterials, high-efficient environment/energy nanomaterials and optical nanomaterials for information infrastructure. ③ Nanoscale Mechatronics & Manufacturing Technology Development Program The "Nanoscale Mechatronics & Manufacturing Technology Development Program” aims at developing process technologies and equipments for  manufacturing nano-scale ultrafine industrial parts as well as analysis, design, control and measurement technologies. A total of 113.5 billion KRW (100 billion KRW from the Government and 13.5 billion KRW from the private sector) will be invested in this 10-year program (2002~2012). Key research areas include nano-pattern processing technology, nano-probe application technology, nano-equipment technology, and core nano processing technologies.

(2) Key Platform Nanotechnologies Development Program

The key platform nanotechnologies development program targets  technologies which promise competitive edges by 2010 while domestic research manpower has already been available to a certain degree for those technologies. The program will go on from 2002 to 2010, some specific items varying between 6 and 9 years depending on the nature of the technology involved. A total of 290 billion KRW  (118 billion KRW from the Government and 172 billion KRW from the private sector) will be invested in this program. Key research areas are divided into 3 categories, the "core nanotechnology area" for securing competitiveness, the "infrastructure area" for reinforcing nanotechnology infrastructure, and the "fundamental nanotechnology area" for expanding the nanotechnology base.

(3) Next Generation Nanotechnology Development Program

The next generation new technology development program by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy is a program which supports the development of new knowledge-intensive technologies which are not globally commercialized, but will lead the future industry and thus exert a great impact on the industry. Projects related to nanotechnology include high-functional nano composites (1999~2007), next-generation large-capacity data storage device technology (1999~2009),  electro-spinning and organic-inorganic hybrid industrial fiber manufacturing technology (1999~2010), essential nanotechnology-based next-generation component technology (2001~2010), and core technology for nano-scale semiconductor EUVL lithography (2002~2011)

(4) Nanotechnology Information Support System

The "Nanotechnology Information Support System" project of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) (2003~2012)” is to build a comprehensive information support system that collects, analyze and diffuse nanotechnology-related information, establishing the information analysis base for maximizing the utilization of nanotechnology information and enhancing the information support for acceleration of domestic nanotechnology R&D and industrialization. It serves as a national nanotechnology information hub.

(5) Research on social impacts of nanotechnology

Nanotechnology impact assessments have been conducted three times so far by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning. The technology impact assessment of nanomaterials conducted in 2006 proposed the establishment of a "nanotechnology impact assessment center" as a conclusive policy suggestion. It is derived from the fact that with the rapid industrialization of nanotechnology issues surrounding nanomaterials must be aggressively reviewed and addressed, but it is difficult for individual researchers or research groups to do so.

(6) International Cooperation

International cooperations in the field of nanotechnology are increasing through the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In 2006 the 88th OECD General Assembly was held in Seoul, and in the 89th General Assembly (March 26-27, 2007) Korea is seeking ways to participate in nanotechnology infrastructure and commercialization in the nanotechnology working group, newly established on the basis of the outcome of the 88th General Assembly. In addition, the 3rd ISO General Assembly was held in Seoul in December, 2006 and the US and Korea agreed to jointly submit the New Work Item Proposals in the fields of the "assessing method for CNT purity by thermal analysis" and the "analysis method for CNT tube types". Korea is playing an active role in the international standardization of nanotechnology.

6. Key Research Facilities

(1) National Nano Fab Center

The National Nanofab Center focuses on supporting silicone nanodevices processes as well as nanobio, NEMS, and packaged unit processes. In July, 2002 the Ministry of Science and Technology designated the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and technology (KAIST) as a lead agency for building the NNFC. The project period is from 2002 to 2010 (phase 1: 2002~2004). A total of 290 billion KRW (118 billion KRW from the Government and 172 billion KRW from the local government and private sector) will be invested in the project. The functions of the NNFC include △providing services for use of nanotechnology research equipments, such as nanodevice design & manufacturing, evaluation of nanoscale properties, testing & analysis, working samples manufacturing, etc., △operation, maintenance and management of nanofab facilities (analysis of the status of nanotechnnology research equipments, repairs, utilities management and facilities operation), △fostering nanotechnology manpower, △nanotechnology transfer and domestic and international cooperation.

(2) Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center

The Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center is a fab center for the development of nanodevice technologies based on compound semiconductors. In May, 2003 the Ministry of Science and Technology selected the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) as a lead agency for building the “Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center”. Seoul national University, Sungkyunkwan University, Ajou University, Hanyang University, and the Korea Electronics Technology Institute are jointly  participating in that project. The project period is 5 years from 2003 to 2007, and a total of 180.55 billion KRW (147.5 billion KRW from the Government, 15.63 billion KRW from the private sector and 17.62 billion KRW from other sources) will be expended in this project. The functions of the KANC include △providing services for use of research equipments to industries, universities and research institutes, △fostering high-caliber manpower, △suppporting nanotech venture startups and commercialization of research outcomes.

(3) National Center for Nanomaterials and Technology in Pohang City

In June, 2005 the Pohang NCNT  began the construction of its building(1 story underground and 4 stories above ground) with a total floor area of 3,506-pyeong(1pyeong=3.31㎡) on a 6,440-pyeong lot within the premise of POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology). The building includes clean rooms of 852 pyeong and non-clean rooms of 2,654 pyeong. It was completed in July 2006. The number of participating organizations in NCNT totals 106: 13 universities including POSTECH, the lead agency, and government-funded research institutes including the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, 78 companies including POSCO and 5 local governments including Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province. Over a 5-year period from August 2004 to July 2009 a total of 110.4 billion KRW will be expended.

(4) National Nanotechnology Integration Center for Nanoprocesses & Equipments in Jeonju City

In November, 2005 the Jeonju NNIC began to construct nanofab facilities with a total floor area of 2,650 pyeong within Jeonju Techno Park adjacent to the Jeonju Industrial Complex. The NNIC consists of 4 universities including Chonbuk National University, the lead agency, 2 government-funded research institutes including the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, 43 companies including Jusung Engineering, and local governments including Jeonju City and Jeonbuk Province. NNIC will support the development of nano-patterning and etching equipments.

(5) National Center for Nanoprocesses & Equipments in Gwangju City

The Gwangju NCNE is building a 1,400-pyeong nanotechnology integration center on a 10,000-pyeong lot within the Gwangju R&D Center of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH). The consortium consists of 3 government-funded research institutes including KITECH, a lead agency, 10 universities including Chonnam National University, 25 companies including Sunic System, and local governments including Gwangju metropolitan City and Chonnam Province. NCNE will support the development of nano deposition and diffusion equipments.