Lee Yong-pil has been appointed as the new head of the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Evaluation and Planning (KEIT), emphasizing the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing and innovation in future strategic technologies as his top priorities. He aims to support the development of industry-specific AI models and manufacturing data-based technologies, integrating AI into research and development (R&D) planning, evaluation, and performance management to elevate KEIT as a leading institution in industrial technology policy.
KEIT announced on August 11 that Lee Yong-pil, a former spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has officially taken office as its sixth director.
Lee entered public service through the 41st National Administrative Examination and has held various positions, including Director of the Materials and Convergence Industry Policy Division and Director of the Advanced Industry Policy Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. He is recognized for his extensive experience and expertise in industrial and technology policy.
In his inaugural speech, Lee stated, "In the face of global technological competition and rapidly changing external environments, the AI transition and technological innovation in manufacturing are crucial for the continuous growth of our industry. I will focus all our capabilities to ensure that KEIT can effectively contribute to enhancing national industrial competitiveness as a specialized institution that promotes AI transition across industries and leads innovation in industrial R&D."
He identified the AI transition in manufacturing and innovation in future strategic technologies as his primary objectives. Lee plans to actively support the development of industry-specific AI models and manufacturing data-based technologies to back the government's M.AX initiative and ensure the widespread adoption of AI in the manufacturing sector.
Support for securing a significant competitive edge in national strategic industries such as semiconductors, displays, and biotechnology will also be strengthened. Lee emphasized the need to continuously expand challenging R&D efforts to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of South Korea's manufacturing sector.
He also proposed measures to strengthen the industrial ecosystem through the stable acquisition of key materials, components, equipment, and resources. The strategy aims to proactively identify strategic technologies and core items to fundamentally enhance supply chain competitiveness, rather than merely responding to supply chain risks after they occur.
Additionally, he will support South Korea's efforts to secure a leading position in global markets for advanced mobility, shipbuilding, and defense industries, where the country has strengths. Plans are in place to establish a virtuous cycle system that links competitive technologies with investment and financing, ensuring that excellent R&D outcomes do not fade away after project completion.
KEIT will also enhance its capabilities in supporting industrial technology policy. The institute will proactively identify technology strategies and promising future technologies for various industries and analyze accumulated data and outcomes throughout the R&D cycle to reflect them in government policies.
AI will be integrated into R&D operations as well. Lee stated, "We will actively utilize agentic AI and data across planning, evaluation, and performance management to enhance professionalism and efficiency in our work, while ensuring thorough information security and data protection."
Furthermore, he promised to create an R&D specialized institution that enhances fairness and transparency in evaluation and management, collaboratively addressing field issues from the perspectives of researchers and businesses. He also emphasized integrity, ethical management, and a people-centered approach to safety management.
KEIT announced on August 11 that Lee Yong-pil, a former spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has officially taken office as its sixth director.
Lee entered public service through the 41st National Administrative Examination and has held various positions, including Director of the Materials and Convergence Industry Policy Division and Director of the Advanced Industry Policy Division at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. He is recognized for his extensive experience and expertise in industrial and technology policy.
In his inaugural speech, Lee stated, "In the face of global technological competition and rapidly changing external environments, the AI transition and technological innovation in manufacturing are crucial for the continuous growth of our industry. I will focus all our capabilities to ensure that KEIT can effectively contribute to enhancing national industrial competitiveness as a specialized institution that promotes AI transition across industries and leads innovation in industrial R&D."
He identified the AI transition in manufacturing and innovation in future strategic technologies as his primary objectives. Lee plans to actively support the development of industry-specific AI models and manufacturing data-based technologies to back the government's M.AX initiative and ensure the widespread adoption of AI in the manufacturing sector.
Support for securing a significant competitive edge in national strategic industries such as semiconductors, displays, and biotechnology will also be strengthened. Lee emphasized the need to continuously expand challenging R&D efforts to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of South Korea's manufacturing sector.
He also proposed measures to strengthen the industrial ecosystem through the stable acquisition of key materials, components, equipment, and resources. The strategy aims to proactively identify strategic technologies and core items to fundamentally enhance supply chain competitiveness, rather than merely responding to supply chain risks after they occur.
Additionally, he will support South Korea's efforts to secure a leading position in global markets for advanced mobility, shipbuilding, and defense industries, where the country has strengths. Plans are in place to establish a virtuous cycle system that links competitive technologies with investment and financing, ensuring that excellent R&D outcomes do not fade away after project completion.
KEIT will also enhance its capabilities in supporting industrial technology policy. The institute will proactively identify technology strategies and promising future technologies for various industries and analyze accumulated data and outcomes throughout the R&D cycle to reflect them in government policies.
AI will be integrated into R&D operations as well. Lee stated, "We will actively utilize agentic AI and data across planning, evaluation, and performance management to enhance professionalism and efficiency in our work, while ensuring thorough information security and data protection."
Furthermore, he promised to create an R&D specialized institution that enhances fairness and transparency in evaluation and management, collaboratively addressing field issues from the perspectives of researchers and businesses. He also emphasized integrity, ethical management, and a people-centered approach to safety management.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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