(LEAD) Lee says 7 future industries will serve as new growth engines, strategic assets

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has identified seven future industries as potential growth engines and national strategic assets to drive economic expansion beyond semiconductors, which have been experiencing record-high revenues due to the growing demand for chips used in artificial intelligence applications. During a meeting to designate these industries as "seeds" for the country's future growth, Lee emphasized the importance of harnessing the opportunities presented by the semiconductor industry to prepare for the next engines of growth.

The seven advanced technologies that the president highlighted include small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear fusion, renewable energy, quantum technology, aerospace, advanced biology, and supply chains for advanced materials and components. Lee described these sectors as the country's future growth engines and key strategic assets, stating that the initiative aims to nurture talent in the science and engineering fields and bring about a great leap forward for South Korea.

Lee stressed that the rapid pace of change in emerging advanced technologies means that countries that fail to keep up with the pace of change will be left behind. He urged government officials and experts to implement the initiative and pledged government support for scientists and entrepreneurs seeking to establish new frontiers in the designated industries. By focusing on these seven future industries, South Korea aims to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving global industrial landscape.