ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – A recent survey has indicated that South Korea is losing ground to China in crucial semiconductor technologies, marking a shift in the long-standing industry dynamics. The findings highlight a competitive downturn for South Korea, which had previously been assessed as leading in this field.

The Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning surveyed 39 local experts, revealing that South Korea ranked second in high-intensity and resistance-based memory technology, scoring 90.9 per cent compared with China’s 94.1 per cent. The world’s leading technology level was set at a benchmark of 100 per cent.

In the high-performance and low-power artificial intelligence semiconductor sector, South Korea scored 84.1 per cent, trailing China’s 88.3 per cent. This represents a stark reversal from a similar assessment in 2022, when South Korea was ranked ahead of China in semiconductor technology.

The report highlighted increasing uncertainties in South Korea’s semiconductor industry, citing the rapid advancement of China and Japan, potential trade sanctions under the new US administration, and growing competition from Southeast Asian nations.

To safeguard its competitive edge, the report underscored the urgent need for South Korea to secure advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies, nurture high-calibre talent, and prevent the outflow of skilled professionals to rival economies.

With global semiconductor competition intensifying, South Korea faces mounting pressure to reclaim its leadership position in the industry and reinforce its technological advancements.

South Korea’s semiconductor industry has fallen behind China in key technological areas, signalling a shift in the competitive landscape, according to a recent survey released on Sunday.

The Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning surveyed 39 local experts, revealing that South Korea ranked second in high-intensity and resistance-based memory technology, scoring 90.9 per cent compared with China’s 94.1 per cent. The world’s leading technology level was set at a benchmark of 100 per cent.

In the high-performance and low-power artificial intelligence semiconductor sector, South Korea scored 84.1 per cent, trailing China’s 88.3 per cent. This represents a stark reversal from a similar assessment in 2022, when South Korea was ranked ahead of China in semiconductor technology.

The report highlighted increasing uncertainties in South Korea’s semiconductor industry, citing the rapid advancement of China and Japan, potential trade sanctions under the new US administration, and growing competition from Southeast Asian nations.

To safeguard its competitive edge, the report underscored the urgent need for South Korea to secure advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies, nurture high-calibre talent, and prevent the outflow of skilled professionals to rival economies.

With global semiconductor competition intensifying, South Korea faces mounting pressure to reclaim its leadership position in the industry and reinforce its technological advancements.