Michelle Donelan, the secretary of state for science, innovation, and technology, has entered into a contract with the Republic of Korea to increase scientific and technological cooperation, including quantum computing and artificial intelligence ( AI ). What the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology ( DSIT ) refers to as” a new dialogue on quantum” will be one of the areas of focus. It stated that this would include talent exchanges.  ,
At the Royal Society, the UK-Korean Science Deal was unveiled. President Yoon of South Korea, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Donelan all attended the ceremony to sign the agreement. The agreement, which is part of a new bilateral agreement that even aims to strengthen ties on defense, trade, and investment, was signed by Donelan, Bang Moon-kyu, minister of industry and energy, as well as ICT Lee Jong Ho from the Republic of Korea.
According to DSIT, there is a close relationship between the UK and the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea is a technological powerhouse and an important ally of the UK, according to Donelan. We have similar values and challenges, from developing industries and jobs that are appropriate for the AI age to using science’s power to combat climate change and support aging populations. This set of agreements, which are a part of the new agreement between our two nations, will strengthen our relationship for many years to come. Our partnership is now paying off as we collaborate carefully on the upcoming AI Safety Summit.
In addition to a new £4.5 million fund to establish mutual research and innovation partnerships, the agreement between the UK and the Republic of Korea calls for them to collaborate in utilizing the potential of important technologies like AI, quantum, and semiconductors to create jobs and spur economic growth.
A memorandum of understanding between Innovate UK and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is part of the agreement, and it aims to increase the collaboration between the industries and researchers in semiconductor-related fields.
The Square Kilometre Array Observatory ( SKAO ), a multibillion pound international project to construct the largest radio telescope in the world, is also the subject of early discussions, according to the UK government, of an agreement to increase the Republic of Korea’s involvement. The Observatory’s headquarters are located in the UK, which is also making a$ 270 million donation to the project that aims to revolutionize how we think about physics and the cosmos. Having the Republic of Korea on board, according to DSIT, will provide opportunities to forge yet stronger ties with the international scientific community.
Following the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit, the government is eager to develop a regional quantum strategy in addition to the emphasis on AI.
For collaborative research and development ( R&, D) through UK-Canada partnerships, covering 11 projects to develop real-world quantum technologies for commercial use, science minister George Freeman announced £14 million in funding for a number of quantum technology projects in November. Through the Innovate UK Commercializing Quantum Challenge, the government has provided funding for 139 projects involving 141 quantum organizations as part of its regional strategy.
The Telegraph reported earlier this week that Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, would introduce a “moonshot” quantum supercomputing program using his autumn statement.
