The government has chosen to identify a new fuel cell technology and to create a hydrogen field in the category of “National Core Technology.”
The precise extent of one technology is also specified in the automotive industry. The “Announcement on Designation of National Core Technology” has been amended and announced, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Energy stated on May 5.
In addition to the 12 already designated regions, a new field of “hydrogen” was introduced in this notification. Fuel cell design, process, and manufacturing technology for construction and industrial machinery and stationary fuel cell design, manufacturing, diagnostic, and control technology used for power production or buildings were both designated as technologies in the pertinent sector.
In addition, the detailed coverage of “hybrid and power-based vehicle system design and manufacturing technology” in the automotive industry was expanded to include “electric drive system (motor, inverter), and air conditioning system.”
A technology with strong potential to spread throughout the transportation industry, including ships and aeroplanes, is being actively developed and marketed for use in construction and industrial machines both domestically and internationally.
Additionally, because domestic businesses already have their own technology in every industry, including manufacturing and operation, stationary fuel cell technology, which is used in power generation or buildings, is considered to be a key technology for realising a hydrogen economy and carbon neutrality.
On the other hand, high value-added technologies that are directly related to driving performance include the driving system (motor/inverter) and the air conditioning/thermal management system added as detailed technologies for hybrid and power-based vehicles.
It is determined that this technology urgently needs protective measures in order to dominate the electric car market and preserve the technological gap because domestic enterprises have reached the same technological level as their international counterparts.
Among the technologies associated with Korea’s major industries, such as semiconductors, cars, and secondary batteries, national core technology is one that has a high level of technical and economic value and that, if leaked abroad, could have a negative impact on national security and the domestic economy. According to the “Industrial Technology Protection Act,” it is necessary. As a minimum, it is identified and announced.
When exporting technologies or when foreigners intend to acquire or merge institutions possessing national core technologies, prior approval from the government is required. Institutions possessing national core technologies are also required to take legal protection measures to prevent technology leakage.
